The UST Tiger Judokas collected two golds, four silvers, and one bronze medal to open the UAAP Season 87 men’s judo tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 14.
With the seven-medal haul, the Tiger Judokas led the tournament after Day 1 with 27 points, 15 more than the second-seeded UP Fighting Maroons.
Chico Sy won gold in the -100 kilogram category, dominating fellow Tiger Judoka Lorenzo Tolentino in 21 seconds to maintain his grip on the division.
Tolentino settled for silver after suffering an uchi-mata-sukashi counter against Sy.
In the -90 kilogram final, Kyan Ballacer defeated teammate Rodge Daniel Ivan Bernal to secure gold.
“This was a great start for the men’s team. Maganda na nasa amin agad ang momentum sa first day pa lang,” UST judo coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
John Anciente earned silver in the -80 kilogram category after losing to reigning MVP Jayvee Ferrer of UP.
UST’s Rael Abujos also secured a silver medal, falling in the final match to DLSU’s George Baclagan in the +100 kilogram division.
Tristan Jacob Reyes claimed the lone bronze medal for UST in the tournament opener.
In the boys’ division, UST won one gold and four bronze medals to start the season.
“Marami pa kaming inaasahan sa second day, lalo na gusto namin ma-secure talaga yung title sa amin,” Arce said.
The second and final day of the judo tournament will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the same venue.
