UST WAS in unfamiliar territory heading into the second half of the UAAP season. It is trailing De La Salle University by eight points, 144-152, in the race for the general championship. If there’s a school that could snap UST string of 14 straight UAAP titles, it would be La Salle.
That’s why a lot is at stake in second semester competitions. Our predictions:
Athletics
Male Tracksters
The team will field a roster equally divided between veterans and rookies. It is capable of pulling off a surprise so we won’t be surprised if they finish third.
Female Tracksters
The team will parade only 16 players, having lost two tracksters to injury and two others to academic deficiencies. But coach Manny Calipes is keeping the faith.
“I think we can still pull it off. Meron tayong surprises na nakahanda dito,” he said.
Lawn Tennis
Male Tennisters
The Male Tennisters should win the UAAP title this time, especially with key players such as Arn Procianos, RK Barte, and BL Bering. The return of Ryan Montalbo will also the team’s bid to regain the championship.
Female Tennisters
Just like their male counterparts, the Female Tennisters will utilize their experience to book a ticket to the finals.
And winning the finals will be a walk in the park for the female squad, which won the championship last season with mostly newbies comprising the team.
Season 74 MVP Macy Gonzales, who is in her second year with UST, is expected to lead the España-based skippers, who also stomped class in different tennis tournaments in Metro Manila.
Football
Golden Booters
Despite a depleted lineup, the Golden Booters have what it takes to at least enter the Final Four. Having lost nine of its 11 starters, the team will count on the likes of Marvin Barquin, Ronald Batislao-Ong, Shinmar Felongco and the returning Jejomar Valdez.
Rookies RR Ragay and Elton John de Arce will also reinforce the Golden Booters, who last held the championship in Season 69.
Lady Booters
A rookie-laden lineup is not always a drawback, especially if the neophytes carry international experience.
Thirteen rookies, some of them have previously played for or trained with the U-19 national team, will boost the Lady Booters’ championship campaign this season.
Eight of the new recruits made it to the starting 11, making up for the departure of midfielder Aiza Mondero, Jowe-ann Barruga, Anne Fabon, Jane Pacana, Hannah Luna, and defender Carra Dagandara.
Fencing
Male Fencers
Retaining the championship will be difficult for the Male Fencers after they lost Season 74 MVP Donnie Navarro, who left for personal reasons. Sydney Nogudula, Miles Fajardo, and Din Duragin will also no longer play for UST due to graduation.
The defending champions are left with key players in team captain Jake Jimenez and Christopher Fombuena, while the seven rookies have yet to prove their worth in the team.
Lady Fencers
Experience should a key factor for the veteran Lady Fencers.
While the team welcomed only two newbies, the lineup remains intact with team captain Hanniel Abella, Donita Navarro, Sarah Jane Bermejo, Anchinette Macaraig, Mae Manimtim, and Joanna Guevarra.
Volleyball
Tiger Spikers
The Tiger Spikers have lost three key players in setter Kerr Ucang, two-time Best Receiver and libero Paul Jan Doloiras, and Season 74 MVP Jayson Ramos. But they remain a top contender and are likely to secure a championship slot.
Team captain John Depante and statistics leader Mark Gil Afafara will take the leader roles, while their upfront offense remains formidable with Romnick Rico and Christian Arbasto.
“I already resolved our problem (with the lineup) and saw the potential of my new players. Another Finals appearance is possible,” coach Emil Lontoc said.
Lady Spikers
A deep bench is expected to make up for the exit of longtime setter Rhea Dimaculangan. A lot is now expected of Loren Lantin, who showcased her skills during the Shakey’s V-League last summer where UST finished second behind Ateneo.
The teams also boasts of the triumvirate of Maru Banaticla, Maika Ortiz, and Judy Caballejo who will remain as the Lady Spikers’ main offensive weapons as they seek to barge into the championship this season.
“The rookies last year really improved in terms of attacking and blocking. I really want to end my UAAP career with a championship,” Caballejo said.
Baseball and Softball
Golden Sox
Save for the departure of team captain Kasulhay Argel and Julian Teves, the UST Golden Sox will field practically the same squad this season.
The Season 73 champions, reinforced by reliable rookies, have a chance at the championship especially with players determined to bring home a UAAP title at the end of the season.
Softbelles
The much-improved UST Softbelles are confident of bagging at least second place this season.
But team captain Enrica Tayag sees Adamson University and its defensive and experienced players as the major roadblock to attaining the goal.
“They have an advantage in defense and malakas ang palo nila,” Tayag said. “Some of their players are members of the Philippine team.”
Still, the Softbelles remain confident that the two newly-recruited pitchers will fortify their lineup and strengthen their campaign for improvement from last season’s dismal finish.
Chess
Male Woodpushers
With the departure of team captain Gerard Ferriol and National Master Joey Florendo, it’s now up to the veterans to lead the campaign for the UST Woodpushers. There are also two prized rookies such as Normel de Jesus, who made an impact in international competitions like the 2012 Asean International Youth Chess Championship.
Female Woodpushers
Going out from the cellar will be an uphill battle for the Female Woodpushers, who focused on training two rookies this season.
Veterans Kristine Laz, Jamie Manzano, and Loraine Salinas should elevate their games to help the team rise from an unexpected debacle last season.
