THE ATENEO Fencing Team tripled their medal tally today after a winning performance in the Individual Women’s Epee in the second day of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Fencing tournament on Thursday, February 9, at the University of Santo Tomas Gymnasium in Morayta.
The team got off to a great start in the Individual Women’s Epee, with Andie Ignacio’s and Pat Sarmiento’s medal performances. Ignacio dominated the poulings with a combined 20-1 score on the way to a 4-0 record to take the first seed, while Sarmiento went 2-2 in her group to earn the 3rd seed.
In the tableau of 8, Ignacio faced Marielle Peralta from UST whom she defeated 15-11, but the score belies the close battle between them, especially in the middle part of the match. She then defeated DLSU’s Divine Romero in a tight 9-8 victory to advance to the finals.
Meanwhile, Sarmiento cruised to the finals, defeating Mickyle Bustos of UE, 15-8 , in the tableau of 8 before defeating the other Red Warrior, Liezel Lopez, 15-10.
This meant that there was an all-Ateneo finals in the Individial Women’s Epee, which Ignacio, a supersenior in her final year of UAAP eligibility, took home the gold by defeating Sarmiento 15-10.
However, the momentum was stopped in the afternoon matches. The Individial Women’s Sabre team, represented by Justine Joseph and Audrey Uyan, struggled through the poulings, with Joseph finishing eighth with a 1-3 record and Uyan eliminated in ninth with a 0-4 record.
Joseph faced Nicole Cortey from the University of the East in the tableau of 8, which she lost 14-15 amid a controversial decision from the presider.
It was also a struggle in the Individual Men’s Foil, where Kyle Lim and Red Limjoco respresented the Blue and White. Both fencers ended their poulings with a 1-3 record. Lim faced Apa Rondain in the tableau of 8, where he was eliminated with a 15-4 score. Limjoco faced the top-seeded Nathaniel Perez for his quarterfinals, which he also dropped with a score of 15-2.
After the individual competition, the women’s team currently rank second in the overall standings behind UE. Meanwhile, the men’s team continue to be last as they continue their medal drought.
“All the players gave their best and fought to the best of their capabilities, did what they could do.” was how Simon Borja, Men’s team captain described the day, opting to focus on the positives that happened.
The team events will start tomorrow, February 10, at the UST Gymnasium and will continue until Saturday.
Editor’s Note: Pat Sarmiento is a Photos staffer of The GUIDON.
