THE UST Poomsae Jins reclaimed the title they lost last season after emerging as champions in the UAAP Season 86 poomsae tournament at the Marikina Sports Center on Monday, Nov. 27.
UST recaptured the throne with a 2-2-1 gold-silver-bronze medal haul, one silver medal better than their 2-1-1 tally last season.
Lady Jin Chelsea Tacay set the tone for UST and topped the female individual category with 8.000 points. She was named this season’s Most Valuable Player.
Tacay banded with team captain Vincent Rodriguez to rule the mixed pair category with 8.167 points.
In the male individual category, Tiger Jin Nash Alcairo scored 8.034 points to add a bronze medal for UST. Alcairo finished behind DLSU’s Patrick Perez with 8.266 points and the eventual Rookie of the Year Ian Corton from NU, who finished with 8.233 points.
UST’s trio of Stella Yape, rookie Allyson Serapio and SEA Games gold medalist Aidaine Laxa scored 8.117 points in the female team category to clinch the silver medal.
Alcairo, together with Dane Subaste and Jeus Yape, tallied 8.100 points for an identical silver-medal finish male team category.
“They exceeded my expectations,” Poomsae Jins head coach Rani Ortega told the Varsitarian. “I’m really happy and proud of how they performed. We will continue to work hard because we want to keep the crown sa España.”
De La Salle University finished as this season’s runner-up with a 1-2-0 medal haul, while defending champion National University settled for bronze with a 1-1-3 tally.
