The UST Lady Woodpushers bested the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 3-1, and the UP Fighting Maroons, 3.5-0.5, to open the UAAP Season 88 women’s chess tournament at the Adamson University Gymnasium on Sunday, Sept. 28.
After Day 1, UST figured in a three-way tie with NU and DLSU at four match points but pulled ahead with 6.5 game points to lead the opening stage.
For UST head coach Ronald Dableo, the team’s work ethic will be key in capturing wins as the season progresses.
“Malaking factor talaga ‘yong preparation. Lahat ng games namin, hindi lang itong opening, kailangan paghandaan. So, malaking factor ‘yon,” Dableo told the Varsitarian.
On Board 1 against Ateneo, UST’s Precious Yecla took down Jiessel Marino’s Queen’s Gambit Declined in 65 moves.
Jamaica Lagrio’s London System settled for a draw in 29 moves against Ateneo’s Elayza Villa on Board 2.
Josemier Panol routed Ateneo’s Alphecca Gonzales in 35 moves on Board 3.
On Board 4, Nathalie Liscano’s Caro-Kann Defense prevailed over Kristine Flores in 73 moves.
Against UP, Yecla and Panol notched wins over Rizzalyn Santos and Janice Monsales, respectively.
Meanwhile, Lagrio outwitted Raiza Locmayoan, while Princes Oncita fell to Maryss Caldoza.
In the girls’ division, the UST Junior Lady Woodpushers beat DLSZ, 3-1, behind the efforts of Trina Temple, Angel Go, Mecel Gadut, and Kara Meneses.
The Lady Woodpushers will next face the DLSU Lady Woodpushers on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Junior Lady Woodpushers will meet the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m., at the same venue.
