Four consecutive runner-up finishes have fueled the UST Lady Judokas, who are determined to break through in UAAP Season 88.
UST placed second last season with one gold, one silver and nine bronze medals for 19 points, extending a string of near-misses that has left the team eager for redemption.
“Fourth straight naming runner-up, medyo matagal-tagal na rin kami na huling nag-champion. So hopefully mas gutom pa sila at mas gusto nilang makuha ‘yong panalo,” head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
“‘Yong gutom talaga ang kailangan ma-instill sa kanila. ‘Yong mentality na kailangan nilang manalo, na hindi puwedeng tanggap lang nang tanggap na hanggang doon lang kami,” he added.
Arce acknowledged the team’s difficulty in maintaining its momentum last season, which led to another second-place finish behind the Season 87 champions UE Red Warriors.
“Last year, kinapos kami, lalo na dahil marami kaming rookies. Masaklap din kasi noong first day, okay naman kami, pero noong second day, nag-collapse ‘yong chances namin.”
The Lady Judokas last captured the UAAP crown in Season 81 in 2018. Since then, UE has controlled the field, winning four consecutive titles.
This year, however, Arce believes the team has developed a clearer sense of purpose and a stronger desire to win.
“Ngayon, mas alam na nila ‘yong goal nila. Compared sa mga nakaraan na parang okay na sila sa nakuha nila, ngayon mas klaro na kung ano ‘yong gusto nilang makuha,” he said.
UST will rely on key performers such as Margaret Fajardo, a gold medalist at the 2025 Southeast Asia Judo Championships, and rookie Elieche Malilay, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion.
The team also strengthened its preparations through several preseason tournaments, including the PSC-PJF National Judo Championship 2026, the NCRJA 3rd Leg Judo Tournament, and the Philippine Ultimate Judo Championship International Open.
“Sana ‘yong lessons at experience na nakuha nila doon, magamit nila sa competition. Kasi ang goal ay mag-champion, at lahat naman gusto ‘yon,” Arce said.
The UAAP Season 88 women’s judo tournament is scheduled for April 11-12 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
