The UST Tiger Jins finished as runners-up in the men’s, women’s, and boys’ divisions of the UAAP Season 88 kyorugi tournament on Friday, April 24, at Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum.
UST collected a total of seven gold, 11 silver and eight bronze medals across all divisions.
“Happy naman ako kahit papaano kasi nakuha namin puro na first runner-up. Siguro not bad for my rookie year,” UST coach Nigel Buan told the Varsitarian. “To be honest, wala naman akong ine-expect. Tulad ng sinabi ko noon, ang mentality ko is underdog.”
In the men’s division, Aljen Aynaga dominated National University’s Melbourne Lustado to clinch the flyweight gold, while Justin Agno edged NU’s Carl Ayaton to secure the welterweight title.
Israel Cantos, meanwhile, settled for silver after falling to NU’s Cyvir Junio.
In the women’s division, Tachiana Mangin delivered a commanding performance to defeat NU’s RJ Arquion for the bantamweight gold.
Laizel Abucay also struck gold, topping NU’s Via Trocio in the featherweight division.
Jeanne Urmaneta and Angel Lorbes each finished with silver medals after losses to NU’s Sharifa De la Cruz (lightweight) and Jizyl Javier (welterweight), respectively.
In the boys’ division, Akira Malonzo captured gold in the -63 kg category after beating National University-Nazareth School’s Chuck Alariao.
Von Romantico added another gold in the -70 kg division, while Khadryck Costina took silver in the same weight class.
Raphael Gaupo also earned silver after falling to Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Elisha Baquial in the +70 kg division.
In the girls’ division, Chriselle Galve secured the Junior Lady Jins’ lone gold by defeating Ateneo’s Jamyllah Pumaren in the -52 kg category.
Mitch Enriquez, Ryzza Cadileña, Shay Cadileña and Aretha Pualengco each contributed silver medals in their respective weight classes.
The girls’ division was introduced this season as a demonstration event, with its medals not included in the official tally.
National University swept both senior division titles, while Far Eastern University-Diliman dethroned NUNS to capture its first boys’ championship.
