FROM a second runner-up finish last season, the UST Male Fencers emerged as this year’s champions while their female counterparts dropped to fifth place following separate duels at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Dec. 5.
The Male Fencers' 3-0-2 gold-silver-bronze medal tally overwhelmed Far Eastern University's collection of two gold medals, a silver, and four bronze medals.
“Lahat ng laban ngayon pantay-pantay, at sabi ko sa kanila (male fencers) lakasan lang loob nila,” men’s team coach Emerson Segui said. “Fortunately, nag-jive lahat.”
Donnie Arth Navarro, Jake Jimenez, and Chris Fombuena teamed up to secure a crucial victory over FEU in the final face-off of the men’s foil-team category. Navarro, who was eventually hailed as Most Valuable Player, took charge late in the game to win back the crown UST last held in 2009.
Navarro snatched the gold in the men’s sabre category, while fellow Thomasian Sydney Nogodula placed third.
The trio of team captain Dindo Raguin, Navarro, and Nogodula snared the gold in the sabre team event.
Navarro, who missed the UAAP Season 73 due to academic deficiency, ended up with a bronze in the men’s foil individual competition.
In the distaff side, the Lady Fencers settled for a lone bronze medal in the sabre team category.
