THE ATENEO Women’s Chess Team outplayed the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, 3-1, to begin the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Women’s Chess Tournament on Saturday, October 5, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City. 

After this impressive victory, the Lady Eagles jumped back into the top three, improving their record to 4-2-2 and bumping their points total to 19. 

Donning the Blue and White were Team Captain Merlene Membrere, Alexis Oseña, Manilyn Cabungcag, and Laila Nadera at boards one, two, three and four, respectively.

The Lady Eagles started with Membrere and Oseña drawing each of their matches. However, Ateneo picked up the pace in the final boards as Cabungcag and Nadera bested their opponents, racking up two more points to put the tie out of sight.

Coming off their strong showing, Membrere shared that the entire team was overjoyed. “Today’s win helped us realize our own capabilities and potential,” she said. Membrere also added that before reviewing their openings for their matches, the team found time to jog around Luneta to energize themselves physically.

She went on to point out that reestablishing their team unity is important for their success in future matches. “We have the ability to obtain second place in the next matches. As long as there is hope, the championship is still possible,” said Membrere. 

The Lady Eagles look to kick off a win streak against the Adamson University Lady Falcons at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.