THE UST Male and Female Tracksters settled for runner-up finishes as Far Eastern University (FEU) successfully defended both titles in the UAAP athletics tournament held at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Oval from Dec. 5 to 8.
The Male Tracksters registered 299 points behind FEU, which finished with 378.5 markers en route to its fourth straight title. The University of the Philippines placed third with 211 points.
The Female Tracksters improved from their third-place finish last season, placing second to FEU with 394 markers. The 10-time champion FEU wound up wi th 451 points, while the University of the East (UE) placed third with 233 points.
Jessah Fernandez and Cristelle Ferrera led the Female Tracksters' 5-6-4 gold-silver-bronze tally as Fernandez bagged first place in hammer throw and second place in discus throw while Ferrera notched the top prize in the 100-m hurdles (15.84 secs) and runner-up spot in hammer throw.
Janice Marquez and Riza Sombilla also collected gold medals for UST in the 3000-m walk and shot put events, respectively. Marquez also placed third in 3,000-m steeplechase.
Rookie of the year Eloiza Luzon contributed two silver medals in 100-m dash (24.47 secs) and 200-m dash (25.79 secs), while Mayang Albinio finished second in decathlon.
Jila Dela Rosa nabbed the second spot in 10,000-m run, and finished third in 1,500-m and 800-m run. Michelle Loterte got the bronze medal in the 400-m hurdles event. The Female Tracksters landed on second spot in the 4×400-m relay.
In the men’s division, Lambert Padua headed the Male Tracksters' 3-8-7 gold-silver-bronze medal haul after dominating the 5,000-m and 10,000-m walk.
Dave Gumacal finished second behind Padua in both events for two silver medals.
Veteran Neil Borres grabbed first prize in the triple jump event and second place in the long jump, while Mark Matiling ranked third in the latter.
Elben Neri contributed silver medals for UST in the 1,500-m and 800-m run, as Marvin Lupinario (javelin throw), Gerard Morales (400-m hurdles) and Romnic Nor (100-m dash) bagged runner-up finishes.
Roger Denolo ranked third in both the 5,000-m and 10,000-m run. Rudy Medalla brought home the bronze medal in the 800-m run, while Morales and Marvin Ibayrin also copped bronze in the 100-m hurdles and decathlon events, respectively.
The Male Tracksters finished third in the 4×400-m relay contest.
"We could have gotten the women's championship had UE fielded players in individual events to prevent FEU from collecting solid points," coach Manny Calipes said.
