The UST Tiger Judokas reigned supreme in UAAP Season 88, sweeping all judo tournaments on Sunday, April 12, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
In the men’s division, the Tiger Judokas defended their title after claiming two gold medals, three silvers, and one bronze on Day 2 for 51 total points, ending the tournament with a 4-7-2 gold-silver-bronze tally.
Meanwhile, the Lady Judokas reclaimed the championship in the women’s division after a four-year drought, winning their first title since Season 81 in 2018. They bagged three gold medals and two bronze medals on the final day of the tournament for 35 total points and a 4-1-4 medal slate.
In the boys’ division, the Junior Tiger Judokas, whose seven-year reign ended last season, reclaimed the title with two gold medals, one silver, and three bronze medals on Day 2 for 40 total points and a 4-2-6 medal slate.
The Junior Lady Judokas, who finished with silver in the previous two seasons, won the championship with two gold medals, two silvers and three bronze medals on the final day for 54 total points, ending with four golds, five silvers, and four bronzes.
“Superb. ‘Yon lang masasabi ko,” UST head coach Kidao Esteban told the Varsitarian. “Maganda ang naging performance ng team kaya masaya talaga.”
In the men’s division, UST’s Janry Pamor topped the -60 kg category, outclassing teammate Juan Miguel Evangelista, who settled for silver.
Randy Ferrera Jr. also earned gold in the -73 kg division, handing fellow Tiger Judoka Aeon Kim the silver.
Justine Bagallon finished with silver after falling to the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Hye Jun Lee in the -55 kg final.
Ralph Suarez picked up bronze in the same division after defeating Jason Palmes of De La Salle University.
Last season’s MVP Troy Estrella fell to UP’s Michael Zuniga in the -66 kg bronze-medal match.
Kyan Ballecer, who won the -90 kg category on Day 1, took home the MVP award, while Kim bagged Rookie of the Year honors.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam, iba pa rin talaga pag champion ka. Lahat ng paghihirap namin, worth the wait. Ang tagal naming hinintay ‘tong championship, kaya sobrang thankful,” UST head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
In the women’s division, Margaret Fajardo clinched gold in the -78 kg final after defeating Leah Ladia of UP.
Mariah Albert Lua also struck gold in the -70 kg final, prevailing over Myles Casanas of Adamson.
Iahna Jaboneta delivered another gold in the +78 kg division after defeating Rovy Ujano of UP.
In the -63 kg division, Sherilyn Tagra secured bronze against Adamson’s Drew Soriano.
Sophie Madamba also finished with bronze in the +78 kg category after overcoming Carina Bornea of UP.
Christine Quiniones was hailed as the season MVP after ruling the -44 kg division on Day 1.
In boys’ play, Zeus Babanto topped the -90 kg division after outlasting Datu Mamaril of Adamson.
Ethan Dalmacio also bagged gold in the +100 kg division, while Shankarangel Tabar added a bronze medal.
Mundhir Gonzales earned bronze in the -81 kg division after defeating Juanito Luciano of Ateneo. Jillian Albeza settled for bronze in the -100 kg division.
Jeormil Caguicla took silver in the -81 kg division after falling to Alphonso Academia of Ateneo.
Zachary Cabrera bagged the MVP award after ruling the -66 kg division on the first day.
“Overwhelming nang sobra. Team effort talaga ‘to, sabi namin it’s either we make it or we break it so nagawa naman namin. Super sulit lahat ng pagod namin,” UST head coach Mike De Vera told the Varsitarian.
In the girls’ division, Season MVP Zkeana Valdez claimed gold in the -57 kg category, while Aquisha Yongco secured bronze.
Steffany Talob emerged victorious with the gold medal in the -44 kg category, while Mikeighla De Vera settled for silver in the same division.
“Masaya lang talaga nang sobra. Last season, isang medal lang, ngayon, nakabawi kami, nakuha namin lahat, kaya sobrang saya,” De Vera said.
