THE UST Junior Fencers collected three medals while the collegiate squads faltered in Day 3 of the UAAP Season 81 fencing tournament at the Victoria Sports Complex in Quezon City Saturday.
The UST boys’ sabre team of Raven Cabaero, Ricardo Fuenzalida Jr., Christofer Sayco and Daniel Villanueva struck gold after trouncing University of the East’s Jester Estrada, Prince Felipe, John Sotto and Jesus Tolentino, 45-44.
The boys’ epee team of Rafael Ballelos, Zedric Estavillo, John Mark Tanaman and Anton Villadelrey bagged silver after crumbling against UE’s Felipe, Reynaldo Perez Jr., Shawn Felipe and Jamil Sebastian in the semifinals, 15-45.
“Matagal na silang players sa team kaya solid na talaga sila as a whole and sanay na sila sa isa’t isa,” UST saber coach Ricardo Fuenzalida told the Varsitarian in an online interview.
In the girls’ division, the foil team of Isa Catantan, Kristine Escleto, Cheska Yadao and Pat Daradar settled for silver after succumbing to UE’s Samantha Catantan, Queendenise Dalmacio, Maricar Matienzo and Eytria Olarte in the semifinals, 45-19.
In men’s play, Male Fencers Edcel Dizon, Dennis Gascon, Jazz Gocon and Dav Pascual failed to advance to the semifinals of the epee category after surrendering to University of the Philippines’ Jose Bautista, Timothy Gonzales, Gerardo Hernandez and Hans Rejante, 35-44.
The sabre team of Mark Echavez, Thomas Mañago and Dane Navarro crashed out of the semifinals after a 35-45 loss against Ateneo de Manila University’s Alfonso Agustin, Enrico Ungson, Jaime Viceo and Paolo Villegas.
“Naubusan tayo ng malakas na players from last year kaya medyo hirap maghabol sa medals ngayong season pero lumalaban pa rin,” Fuenzalida said.
In women’s action, Lady Fencers Catherine Cui, Joelli Figuracion, Henesy Odulio and Sherlyn Jose absorbed a 38-45 loss against UP’s Angelika Aleta, Angelika Barrera, Mikaella Billano and Hannah Hollero in the foil category.
The Lady Fencers currently trail at second place with a 1-0-2 gold-silver-bronze medal tally while the Male Fencers remained dead last and have yet to win a medal.
The Junior Male and Lady Fencers also remained at second place with a 2-0-1 haul and a 0-1-3 tally, respectively.
The last day of the tournament will resume today, 9 a.m., at the same venue.
