LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—The UST Swimmers failed to secure a podium finish during the UAAP competitions held at the Trace College Aquatic Sports Complex from Sept. 27 to 30.
The Male Tigersharks placed fourth with 219 points, behind University of the Philippines (286), Season 74 champions De La Salle University (347), and this year’s top team, Ateneo de Manila University (365). The UST men’s team last held the crown in Season 71, which came after 19 years.
The Female Tigersharks, who last tasted gold in Season 70, were also good only for the fourth spot with a lowly 65-point output. UP claimed the title with 568 points, followed by Ateneo with 326, and La Salle with 196.
Graduating co-captain Karlo Salonga led the men’s team with five medals as the squad finished with a 1-5-6 gold-silver-bronze medal tally.
Salonga, along with Fritz Agapay, Charles Yatco, and Dexter Docong, prevailed in the 200-meter medley relay to snatch the Tigersharks’ lone gold in the tournament by clocking a record-setting 1:52.90 finish.
Salonga also bagged two bronze medals in the 100-meter (56.55) and 50-meter freestyle (25.33) events, respectively.
“Lumakas talaga ang mga kalaban namin,” said Alcantara. “Our swimmers are getting their time. Others are off a bit pero ‘yung iba, nakukuha na.”
The women’s squad could only win silver medal courtesy of the quartet of Jennifer Alcantara, Leyan Ramo, Reaiah Sarmiento, and Alexa Espino in the 200-meter medley relay (2:17.04).
In junior’s play, the girls’ team whooshed its way to the second spot with 305 points. The boys’ squad finished at fourth place behind University of the East (217. 50), De La Salle-Zobel (294), and champions Ateneo (477. 50).
