THE PHILIPPINE fencing contingent concluded their run at the 18th ASEAN University Games with a heroic performance and medal blowout on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the National University of Singapore University Town Stephen Riady Hall.

The team —composed primarily of seasoned veterans from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)— hauled in four awards in the the international collegiate tournament, dominating the team events on the final day of the competition.

Lady Eagle Justine Joseph was among the members of the Philippine delegation, competing as a reserve on the squad which was put together through a selection process based on rankings on the national team. Bannered by UAAP standouts Kemberly Camahalan and Maylene Pailma from the University of Sto. Tomas and Nicole Cortey of the University of the East, the Philippines defeated host team Singapore to place third in the Women’s Sabre event, settling for the bronze after a heartbreaking loss to Indonesia in the semi-finals.

The ladies of the fencing contingent landed a podium finish as well in the Women’s Team Foil event, topping the division to take the gold over Malaysia. In the men’s division, the Philippines garnered two more medals, claiming another gold in the Men’s Epee and earning a silver in the Men’s Foil, while finishing fourth in the Men’s Sabre.