COMING OFF a stellar performance in yesterday’s match, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team conquered the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 4-0, in the twelfth round of matches in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Women’s Chess Tournament. Ateneo’s rout of NU was held on Sunday, October 20, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City. 

Ateneo’s outstanding victory over the Lady Bulldogs was their first sweep of the second round and their second overall sweep of the UAAP Season 82. The Lady Eagles currently boast a record of 7-2-3 and a total of 30 points across their name but remain neck and neck with the UST Golden Tigresses for third place. 

Geared up for today’s action were Team Captain Merlene Membrere, Alexis Oseña, Manilyn Cabuncag, and Laila Nadera, who each took responsibility of boards one, two, three, and four, respectively. Oseña kicked off the matchday as she claimed the first victory for the Lady Eagles. From there, Membrere, Cabuncag, and Nadera each outpaced their NU-counterparts to rally home the Blue and White.

The entire Lady Eagle squad was more than satisfied after today’s match-up. “This just proves that we are really serious about having the third spot,” said Membrere. “We will give everything [we’ve got] on our last two rounds. We just need to focus and enjoy the game.” 

Membrere added that Coach Yves Rañola complimented the team for a remarkable performance. “Coach [Yves] said we need to keep the fire burning and do our best in the last two rounds,” she mentioned.

As the second round approaches its final match week, the Lady Eagles attempt to break free from a deadlock with the UST Golden Tigresses in their final two elimination-round matches. They will face the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons and the back-to-back defending champions, the De la Salle University Lady Archers, in consecutive match days.

The Lady Eagles will continue their quest for glory as they face the UP Lady Maroons on Saturday, October 26, 1:00 PM, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.