SINCE THE grueling and unconventionally formatted UAAP Season 84, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team has placed itself in a prime position to shine come October.

The Blue Eagles may have suffered a heartbreaking fourth-place-dealing draw the last time they facilitated the boards, but the agony of falling short has motivated them into earning a podium finish in the new season. Starting strong and finishing decisively are the most notable lessons from last year that this talented group is working to implement into their game plan.

Now, Team Captain Alexis Oseña, newcomer Jiessel Marino, and familiar faces Glesit Tatoy, Laila Nadera, and Kristine Flores are devoting extra hours to rigorous training to further their potential and abilities.

Given the raw talent paired with such insatiable hunger for greatness, no shock should come if this motivated unit exceeds expectations for a podium placement and brings home a more illustrious hardware—the UAAP crown.