UST Judo stomps class in UAAP wars

THE MALE Judokas regained the championship while their female counterparts defended the crown in contrasting fashion in the UAAP judo tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Oct. 2.

The Judokas amassed 50 points via an impressive 4-2 gold-silver medal haul to win back the title their lost last season to the Ateneo de Manila University. The Lady Judokas retained the championship with four gold medals, a silver and a bronze, for a total of 47 points.

In the junior’s division, UST placed second behind champion Ateneo.

“Their skills, endurance, and techniques improved a lot this year,” said men’s team coach Steve Esteban.

Ateneo finished at third place behind De La Salle University, which placed second to UST with 45 points.

With 3:53 ticks remaining, Season 74 MVP Brian Llamas toppled down Ateneo’s Kevin Movido to score an ippon (whole point) in their -60 kilograms gold-medal bout.

Midway in the -100 kilogram medal clash, Stephen Que slammed Ricardo Pena of La Salle to give UST its first gold. Veteran Nash Tagle subdued Ateneo’s Jone Abaca.

UST’s Jon Rodriguez prevailed over fellow Thomasian Lucky Flores in their gold medal match-up in the +66 kilogram division. Flores was named this season’s top rookie.

Alexis Albor snatched a silver medal for UST after destroying La Salle’s BG Albaracin.

Two-peat

Despite the absence of top player Setsuko Ando, the Lady Judokas managed to keep their title. The University of the Philippines finished at second place while La Salle settled for third.

Jewel de Castro surprised UP’s Ada Etanislao with a takedown with only five seconds left to play, to break the scoring drought and emerge victorious in their +63 kilogram title match.

Shellane Bello, this year’s MVP, bested Gianina Gonzales UP following a furious exchange in their +48 kilogram contest.

Maria Billiones and Annie Ramirez also harvested gold medals in the +52 kilogram and +57 kilogram divisions, respectively.

Thomasians Princess Lucman settled for second place while Jyniene Honorio snatched a bronze. with reports from Chenny V. Ramos