ESPAÑA United (EU) settled for fifth place in the 3rd National Ultimate Collegiate Championships (NUCC) at the Greenfield City Sports Field in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last May 24 to 25.
EU, UST's official Frisbee team, failed to enter the semifinals after losing to Ateneo de Manila University, 5-4, in a tightly contested match.
With Ateneo leading by a point, 4-3, UST’s Trisha Dy, a Mythical Seven member, blocked a crucial pass from Ateneo which resulted in a John Caliwag goal via Peter Regis’ backhand assist for the equalizer, 4-4.
UST stood its ground on defense with interceptions from Caliwag, Simon Aranas and Pio Fajardo.
But gusty winds made it difficult for EU to deny Ateneo, resulting in Gian Solomon’s game-winning goal from Bea Javelosa’s dish.
In their quarterfinal game earlier that day, UST staged a come-from-behind victory over De La Salle-Science and Technology Complex, 9-8, with Dy scoring the pivotal goal in the end-game.
UST likewise trounced La Salle STC, 9-6, in the seeding round with an impressive performance from Aerwin Frias, who racked up two goals.
EU started strong after scoring two goals courtesy of Jelo Lusanta and Frias. La Salle answered with back-to-back points from Ping Rivero and Jonathan Macaraig to tie the game.
EU scoted three straight points with Giselle Grey’s goal off Regis’ forehand pass and another shot courtesy of Isabel Sison to pull away for good, 5-3.
University of the Philippines defeated De La Salle University Manila, 15-10, for its third straight NUCC plum while University of the Philippines Los Baños walked away with bronze in Pool A.
