THE UST Woodpushers outwitted the University of the East and the Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 81 chess tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Saturday.
The Male Woodpushers defeated UE, 2.5-1.5, while the Female Woodpushers outlasted Ateneo, 2.5-1.5.
UST’s Jerlyn Villanueva defeated Michael Sucillo before Male Woodpushers Antonio Almodal III, Brylle Vinluan, and Jeffu Dorog sealed the win with three draws.
“Acceptable naman ang performance kasi nasa recovery period pa ang men’s pero kaya pang mag-improve,” UST head coach Ronald Dableo said.
In women’s play, Female Woodpusher Glenderlyn Añana forced a draw against Alexis Oseña before team captain Highzzy Manaloto scored a win against Ateneo’s Merlene Membrere.
Laila Nadera tied the game at 1.5 after beating UST’s Cyamir Villanueva before May Ann Alcantara defeated Ateneo’s Minela Sandoval for the win.
“Nakakapag-adapt ang women’s and maganda ‘yong pagkakahold natin ngayon lalo na ‘yong kay Añana,” Dableo said.
The Male Woodpushers are tied with University of the Philippines at fourth place with 3.5 points while the Female Woodpushers are in a four-way logjam at second place with the Adamson University, UE and UP with 4.5 points each.
UAAP chess resumes tomorrow, Sept. 23, 1 p.m., at the same venue.
