THE ATENEO Chess Teams capped off stage one of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 with divided results earlier this afternoon at the Adamson University Gym in the City of Manila.

While the Men’s Team outsoared the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 3-1, the Women’s Team lost steam against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 0.5-3.5.

Representing the Blue Eagles in the aerial battle were Paul Matthew Llanillo, Romeo Canino, Khalil Kis-ing, and Knarf Batislaong, who engaged on boards one to four, respectively. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons fielded Frederick Sunga, Vince Arellano, Joshua Roque, and Rocel Simon who also took boards one to four, correspondingly.

Despite Team Captain Kis-ing’s defeat on board three, the remaining boards became the Blue Eagles’ playgrounds as they closed stage one with a victory, 3-1.

In the women’s division, Ateneo looked to end the round on a good note, with Elayza Villa, Lexie Hernandez, Alphecca Gonzales, and Glesit Tatoy playing boards one to four, respectively. Across them was the current number one-ranked FEU, anchored by Mhage Sebastian, Glysen Derotas, Joy Tan, and Franchesca Largo—who put on a show on boards one to four, respectively.

Despite Villa’s successful effort in forcing a stalemate on board one, the Blue Eagles bowed down on boards two to four, stumbling on their way to a 0.5-3.5 loss. 

The Blue Eagles will look to learn from their experiences in stage one and improve their ranking in the second stage of UAAP Season 87, with their schedule having yet to be announced.