THE UST Lady Woodpushers delivered mixed results on the last day of the elimination stage but clinched their ticket to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 rapid chess tournament at the Adamson Gym on Wednesday, March 26.
UST fell short against the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 2.5-1.5, in the sixth round before securing a playoff berth after defeating the NU Lady Bulldogs in their last game, 2.5-1.5.
The Lady Woodpushers finished the eliminations ahead of NU, placing fourth with six match points and 14 game points. FEU settled in third with eight match points and 14.5 game points.
UST head coach Ronald Dableo said the team will focus on securing a podium finish next and plans to shuffle the boards while fielding reserves Princes Oncita and Faith Tabungar more in the Final Four.
“Nagulat nga ako sa ginawa ko e. Noong unang laro against FEU, ang naka lineup is ‘yong feeling ko na dapat kong nila-lineup palagi. Pinalitan ko si Panol tsaka si Buto, and ‘yong mga pinalit ko (Oncita and Tabungar) pa ‘yong nakakuha ng points,” Dableo told the Varsitarian.
“Podium naman ang next,” he added. “Susubukan kong ipasok ‘tong mga bata.”
UST opened the final day with a narrow 2.5-1.5 loss against the reigning standard chess champion FEU.
Jamaica Lagrio continued her hot streak in her UAAP return, earning UST’s lone win of the round against FEU’s Mary Tan.
Precious Yecla settled for a draw against Mhage Sebastian on Board 1, while Josemier Panol and Rohanisah Buto fell to Franchesca Largo and Joyce Rueda, respectively.
The Lady Woodpushers then secured a playoff berth by edging out the Lady Bulldogs, 2.5-1.5, in the final round.
Lagrio finished the eliminations undefeated after overwhelming NU’s Jelaine Adriano on Board 2.
In her season debut, Faith Tabungar replaced Josemier Panol on Board 3 and clinched the victory after defeating Natasja Balabbo.
Her fellow reserve Princes Oncita settled for a draw against Yana de Vera, while Yecla fell against Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy.
UST will face the top-seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Final Four at the same venue on Saturday, March 27.
