DEFENDING champions UST Golden Judokas bagged eight medals in the UAAP Season 82 judo tournament opener at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Saturday.
The men’s team tallied a 1-2-3 gold-silver-bronze record while the Lady Judokas claimed two bronzes.
Veteran Dither Tablan defended his title in the +100 kg category after toppling fellow Thomasian Tristan Jacob Reyes, who claimed silver.
Daniel Amores clobbered UP Maroon Dillen Hirrera in the men’s -81 kg division to take home another silver for UST, while Golden Judokas George Kim (-100kg), Mitchel Salcedo (-90kg), and Chino Sy (-81kg) captured bronze medals.
“Kailangan nilang ma-maintain ‘yong confidence. Dapat bukas malakas pa rin ‘yong loob nila,” UST Judokas head coach Steve Esteban told the Varsitarian.
In women’s action, Lady Judokas Vlessie Hilusa (-44kg) and Kryzzia Gutang (-57kg) notched bronze medals while UST’s Junior Judokas gathered a silver and three bronzes.
UST will continue defending their crowns on March 1, Sunday, 8 a.m. at the same venue.
