UST Lady Judokas rookie Eliecha Malilay clinched the gold medal in the women’s 45-kilogram division of the 2026 Philippine National Trials on Feb. 7 at Ayala Circuit in Makati City.
The victory earned Malilay a spot on the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) of the Philippines national team, allowing her to represent the country in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games and other federation-sanctioned tournaments.
“Earning a spot on the adult national team is a huge honor for me, and being able to continue representing my country as I move into adulthood is an incredible feeling,” Malilay told the Varsitarian.
Malilay secured a perfect 3-0 record to top the podium, defeating Cherry Cruz of Solas Jiu-Jitsu, Maria Angelica Almonte of Checkmat Manila, and her Carpe Diem Manila teammate Anne Roque.
She is expected to add depth to the UST Lady Judokas in UAAP Season 88.
“I plan to bring this momentum to the UAAP by carrying the same discipline, focus and work ethic that guide my training every day,” she said.
“My goal is to help raise the level of the team by committing to improvement and putting in the work.”
Recently, the UST standout also captured one silver and one bronze medal at the JJIF 2025 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, held from Nov. 1 to 15.
The Season 88 women’s judo tournament will be held later this year.
