THE UST Lady Fencers landed at second place while the Male Fencers slipped to fifth at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 81 fencing tournament at the Victoria Sports Complex in Quezon City Sunday.
The Lady Fencers bagged silver with a 2-1-2 gold-silver-bronze medal haul while the Male Fencers went home empty-handed for fifth place in the standings, a far cry from their silver-finish last year.
Ateneo de Manila University ended the University of the East’s 11-year dynasty in the women’s division after harvesting three gold and three bronze medals. UE placed third behind a 1-3-3 haul.
The UST women’s epee team of Andrea Bernal, Pauline Bernate, Mira Dorimon and Marielle Peralta snatched gold after beating UE’s Mickyle Bustos, Janica Escalambre, Rizelle Gonzales and Liezel Lopez in the finals, 45-40.
Lady Fencer Dorimon sealed the win after her counter attack resulted in a double touché on Bustos’ chess with 45 ticks left.
The foil team of Jezelle Camahalan, Cherie Mañago, Fhaym Sarrondo and team captain Precious Sampungan absorbed a 31-45 beating from UE’s Carla Arreza, Nicole Cortey, Elvielyn Javinar and Mary Lonzaga in the finals for silver.
“Sinabihan ko na sila na ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa. Kumapit lang sila at maglaro nang maayos pero kinapos lang talaga,” UST epee coach Arman Bernal told the Varsitarian.
In men’s play, Male Fencers Fritz Azarcon, Mark Echavez, Dennis Gascon and Elijah Rebusquillo failed to reach the semifinals of the foil category after losing to De La Salle University’s Nathan Co, Darylle Lumahan, Keith Medina and Jose Mercado, 31-45.
“We have no one against the other teams’ national players, wala kaming panlaban doon kaya somehow expected na namin ‘tong scenario na ’to,” Bernal said.
UE extended its reign to seven-straight years in the men’s division with a 5-3-0 medal tally while La Salle settled for silver behind a 1-1-3 haul. Ateneo snagged bronze with one silver and five bronze medals.
In the juniors’ action, UST’s junior fencing teams landed second place overall next to UE.
UST will miss the services of Gascon, Bernal and Mañago after exhausting their respective playing years.
