S87 High School Athletics: UE girls achieve breakthrough; UST boys end 16-year wait

Final Standings
(Points – Gold-Silver-Bronze)
BOYS:
UST 404 (7-7-5)
AdU 326 (6-6-5)
UE 324 (4-4-6)
NUNS 126.5 (5-1-3)
DLSZ 52 (0-3-0)
Ateneo 41 (0-0-1)

GIRLS
UE 441.5 (11-5-6)
UST 425.5 (6-9-10)
AdU 293 (4-6-6)
NUNS 78.5 (0-2-1)
Ateneo 22 (0-0-0)
DLSZ 14 (0-0-0)

CAPAS, Tarlac –  University of Santo Tomas secured the UAAP Boys' Athletics championship for the first time in 16 years, while University of the East celebrated its first-ever Girls title at the conclusion of the Season 87 meet at New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.

UE’s Historic Victory

The Junior Lady Warriors dethroned the UST Junior Female Tracksters, who were back-to-back champions, in a tightly contested competition.

UE amassed 441.5 points to UST’s 425.5, marking a triumphant return to the top after dominating from Seasons 78 to 81 when the girls’ division was still a demonstration event, led by standout Jenny Rose Rosales.

This time, it was Jeralyn Rodriguez who spearheaded UE’s campaign. Rodriguez, crowned MVP, bagged five golds and two silvers in a phenomenal performance.

“Masaya po ako kasi una (at huli) ko na itong laro sa UAAP, at napasaya ko po ang mga coaches. Sa wakas, nabalik na po ang korona sa Recto,” shared Rodriguez, a four-time record holder.

UST fought valiantly, securing two gold medals on the final day. Jamaica Kate Saligan clocked 15.25 seconds to win the 100-meter hurdles, narrowly defeating teammate Ma. Lhynnette Libranda (15.47 seconds). National University Nazareth School’s (NUNS) Jean Albaciete took bronze with 16.14 seconds.

UST also triumphed in the 4x400-meter relay, as the team of Ashley Tabad, Saligan, Franceine Rosario, and Lea Ordinario clinched gold with a time of 3:54.01. UE’s relay squad settled for silver at 3:56.07, while Adamson University took bronze with 4:25.91.

Adamson placed third overall with 293 points, led by Rhea Antonette Lego and Rookie of the Year Erika Dorado.

Lego set a new meet record in the Girls’ Long Jump, leaping 5.27 meters to surpass UE’s Daniela Desepeda’s 2017 mark.

Dorado dominated the 2000-meter steeplechase with a time of 7:46.34, followed by teammate Nene Mianagua (8:01.01). UST’s Lyke Mae Raterta settled for bronze with 8:01.09.

UST Ends 16-year Wait

On the boys' side, UST ended a 16-year title drought, reclaiming the championship they last won in Season 70.

The Aiso brothers, Aime and Gian Carlo, led the charge by taking gold and silver in the 3000-meter steeplechase. UE’s Erick Pensahan claimed bronze.

UST’s final gold came in dramatic fashion in the 4x400-meter relay. Initially settling for silver, the squad was elevated to gold after UE was disqualified for a lane violation.

UST clocked in at 3:25.66, while Adamson finished second at 3:30.13. Ateneo de Manila University rounded out the podium with a time of 3:52.00.

“Di ko ma-explain kasi ang tagal na naming gustong makamit ang championship, at sa wakas, nakuha na rin namin,” said UST head coach Emerson Obiena. “Mas malalakas ‘yung mga atleta namin dati, pero siguro hindi lang talaga namin time noon. Ngayon, mas bata ang mga atleta, pero lahat sila palaban. Sa tiyaga, nakuha na rin namin ang korona pabalik sa Espana.”

UST closed the season with 404 points, while Adamson placed second overall with 326 points. The UE Junior Red Warriors took third with 324 points.

UST’s Ivan Candaba was named Rookie of the Year in the Boys Division.

Notable Performances

National University Nazareth School’s Kharis Pantonial emerged as the season MVP in the boys division after claiming six golds and breaking three records.

Among his victories was the 110-meter hurdles, where he clocked 15.34 seconds. Adamson’s Jericho Cantil (15.34 seconds) and Linel Espidido (15.40 seconds) settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team