THE UST Lady Judokas are set to open their title-retention bid, eyeing to become the first team in UAAP women’s judo history to capture five-consecutive championships.
But the team will have to do it without key players Tracy Honorio, Reinalyn Castillo and former team captain Lei Tolentino, who all exhausted their playing years.
“The team is pressured kasi ‘yong mga kalaban namin, habang tumatagal, mas nagugutom at nanggigigil sila na makuha ‘yong titulo sa amin pero syempre lahat gagawin namin para mapanatili sa amin. Lahat kami sa team pare-pareho ng gustong mangyari and that’s to make history, that’s our target,” Lady Judokas head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
The University of the Philippines had a chance to win their fifth-straight title in Seasons 66 and 72, but were dethroned by UST.
This year, Arce said the team focused on Nage-waza (throwing techniques) and Katame-waza (grappling techniques) to have a better control over their competitors.
“’Yung proper execution ng techniques nila ang binoboost ng program namin kasi we need to see the weaknesses of their opponents,” the multi-titled coach said.
With roughly two months left before Season 81, the Lady Judokas have intensified their training regimen.
Arce listed UP, the University of the East, De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University as constant hurdles in the Lady Judokas’ title bid.
“Our preparation is vital. Kahit sino naman, wala kaming minamaliit na teams. Wala kaming iniisip na teams na malakas o mahina, ang mahalaga for us is to score best,” he said.
In her last playing year, team captain Kim Pantoja wants to instill mental toughness among her teammates to be able to perform consistently.
“Kailangan namin ma-build nang maayos ‘yong mentalidad namin and mag-enjoy at the same time para ma-handle ang pressure,” she said.
Pantoja also cited the Hajime Judo tournament held at the Blue Eagle Gym last June served as their gauge in the upcoming UAAP tournament.
Despite the tough competition this season, Pantoja is confident of the team’s chances of a fifth-straight championship.
“Kaya naman naming i-defend ‘yong title kasi nasa peak na kami, ayaw na naming bitawan ‘yon,” she told.
The Lady Judokas will draw from their veteran core this year composed of Pantoja, Khrizzie Pabulayan, Jamaica Ponciana and Season 80 Most Valuable Player Almira Ruiz.
Last Season 80, the Lady Judokas bagged four gold, four silver and five bronze medals.
