THE ATENEO Lady Eagles emerged victorious in the first day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Fencing Tournament on Tuesday, February 11, at Paco Arena, Manila City. The lone event of the day for the Ateneo Women’s Fencing Team was the Women’s Foil Individual.
Women’s Foil Individual
Rookie Mia Esteban was eliminated in the poulings round with a standing of 0-4. Meanwhile, returning Season 81 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Maxine Esteban cruised past the poulings round with a 3-1 record.
In the semifinals, the elder Esteban then went up against University of the East’s Queendenise Dalmacio—the only opponent to defeat Maxine in the poulings. Nonetheless, the Lady Eagle bounced back, found her rhythm, and dominated the match with a 15-5 tally.
“[Maxine Esteban] made a lot of mistakes but she has good character. She’s a fighter. For technical preparation, the match must be under her control,” said Andrea Magro, Maxine Esteban’s personal coach and well-known trainer in the international fencing world.
She then advanced to the finals and faced Divine Romero from De La Salle University. They exchanged points in the start of the match, but the Blue and White took control of the game with a scoring streak, 7-4. The defense stayed consistent for the Lady Eagle, helping bring her lead to seven, 11-4. She then continued to dominate the match with exquisite style and confidence, 15-7.
“Last year, I had no pressure at all because I was a rookie. But this time, as the defending champions, the moment I stepped on the venue, I was so nervous,” Maxine reflected.
However, the returning Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player made a lot of adjustments for this year’s preparation. “I got a new coach who is known to be the best coach in the world because he has produced 16 gold olympians,” Maxine said. “Taking that step is the biggest improvement for me. His mentorship gives me confidence and helps me strengthen my [fencing] style.”
The Lady Eagles look to grab their next medals in their next matches for Women’s Epee Individual and Women’s Saber Individual events on Wednesday, February 12, at the Paco Arena, Manila City.
