AFTER DEFEATING the Adamson University Lady Falcons, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team was unable to surmount the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 0.5-3.5, in the tenth round of matches in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 Women’s Chess Tournament on Saturday, October 5, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

This matchup against the Lady Tamaraws dealt the Lady Eagles their first loss of the second round, leaving Ateneo with a 5-2-3 record and a points total of 23. Moreover, this locks the Lady Eagles in third place alongside the UST Golden Tigresses.

Team Captain Merlene Membrere assumed command at first board, while Alexis Oseña, Manilyn Cabuncag, and Laila Nadera followed at boards two, three, and four, respectively.

Membrere, Oseña, and Cabuncag all failed to establish their positions as they yielded to each of their Tamaraw counterparts. Nadera managed to slip away with a consolation draw to keep the Lady Eagles from finishing scoreless.

Although they matched up against top-seeded FEU, the Lady Eagles entered the battle unfazed. “It was a crucial match and we expected [at least] a draw,” said Jill Feliciano, one of the team members. She added that should the match have gone their way, the Lady Eagles would have been in a prime position to contend for the top seeds. “We are still on track for a podium finish, though,” Feliciano said reassuringly.

The Lady Eagles will attempt to get back to winning ways against the University of the East at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.