WITH the overall championship title at stake, UST Fencers kept the University within striking distance from De La Salle University as they scored decent finishes in the UAAP tournament at the PhilSports Arena Pasig from Dec. 11 to 14.
A cellar-dweller last season, the Lady Fencers improved to second place behind six-time champion University of the East. Haniel Abella’s gold medal in the women’s epee individual category led UST.
The quartet of Donita Navarro, Kimberly Camahalan, Joanna Marie Guevarra, and Maylene Pailma finished second in the women’s sabre team category. Abella also teamed up with Kristine Daena Paraso, Dyrem Penaflor, and Christine Alegria to claim the bronze medal in women’s epee.
“Our women’s team greatly improved this year, kita naman natin na kahit halos puro rookies ang female players natin, they still became second,” coach Arman Bernal said. “UE dominated the championships this year because they had the advantage of having national team-calibre players. But finishing at second place isn’t a bad start, so expect a tougher team next year because we’re aiming next for the gold.”
Male Fencers drop to fourth
The UST Male Fencers, the Season 74 champions, settled for fourth place.
UST played without last year’s MVP Donnie Navarro, who left the team for personal reasons.
Team captain Jake Jimenez snatched a bronze medal in the men’s foil individual category, while the men’s foil team composed of Jimenez, Christopher Fombuena, Alexander Macaraig, and Mark Anthony Garcia captured a silver.
“We really had a rough time trying to contain the strong players of UE,” Bernal said. “It was hard for us especially one of our ace players, Donnie (Navarro) left the team. Another factor is that seven of our players this season are just rookies. We still have to train them and hopefully, we can get another championship next season.” Hedrix Ar-ar C. Caballe
