THE SWASHBUCKLING UST Male Fencers struck a pose in time for the coming UAAP wars, carving a bridesmaid finish in the Interclub Fencing Competition last September 28 at the SM Megamall in Ortigas.
“This is only part of our training in preparation for the coming UAAP season,” coach Bienvenido Orlanes told the Varsitarian.
Despite absorbing a 50-60 loss to Season 69 champion University of the East (UE) Red Skirts, the Male Fencers carried out a show as they struck their way to an early nine-point binge, 15-6.
However, UE fencer Bonifacio Jacintos slashed UST’s lead to only 19-20, altering the complexion of the match in favor of the Red Skirts. From a 43-45 margin halfway into the bout, UE banked on the prolific Jacintos exploits in the 10th round en route to a decisive 44-50 upperhand for the gold.
Earlier in the tournament, the Male Fencers registered a 2-1 win-loss card that earned them a ticket to the finals last September 22 at the Philsports Arena Fencing Hall.
After a 40-60 setback from UE in the first round, the UST fencers scored a twin kill against the University of the Philippines, 60-49, and the Far Eastern University (FEU), 60-50.
Needs sharpening
While the Male Fencers barged into the finals, the UST Lady Fencers found themselves on the other side of the coin as they dropped out of the contest with a lowly 0-2 win-loss record.
The Lady Fencers suffered back-to-back losses from the Ateneo de Manila University Fencing Team, 44-60, and FEU, 44-60.
