THE ATENEO Women’s Chess Team (AWCT) started in great form in the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Blitz Chess tournament earlier today at the Adamson Gym in the City of Manila.
The Blue Eagles secured wins against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, and the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons. The Katipunan-based squad also notched a draw against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, while enduring a defeat against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Woodpushers.
Headlining the team were Lexie Hernandez and Elayza Vila on the first two boards. Meanwhile, Alphecca Gonzales, Team Captain Kristine Flores, Jiessel Marino, and Glesit Marie Tatoy rotated between the third and fourth boards.
Ateneo vs. FEU
The Blue and White began their stint in UAAP Blitz Chess looking to avenge their loss in the Rapid Chess tournament finals as they faced the Lady Tamaraws. Leading the way were Hernandez and Gonzales, who won both their individual series with 3-1 scorelines against FEU’s Francesca Largo and Vic Glysen Derotas, respectively. However, Ateneo could not secure the victory, with Villa and Marino losing their respective matchups to Mhage Sebastian and Mary Joy Tan, 1.5-2.5 and 1-3, ending the series on a 2-2 draw.
Ateneo vs. NU
Seeking their first win of the tournament, the Blue Eagles also sought to prove their mettle against their Jhocson-based adversaries. The AWCT handily defeated the Lady Bulldogs with a 3-1 scoreline, with Hernandez and Villa setting the tone with 3-1 wins against Allanney Jia Doroy and Jelaine Adriano. Despite Flores dropping her series on board three to Natasja Jasmine Balabbo, 1.5-2.5, Gonzales officially clinched Ateneo’s first victory in the tournament after defeating Yana Emilou De Vera, 3-1.
Ateneo vs. UP
Looking to carry their momentum from their previous series, the AWCT then locked horns with their Katipunan neighbors, the UP Fighting Maroons. Hernandez maintained her impressive showing, as the reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year dominated her matchup, 4-0. Villa also displayed her skill, taking after Hernandez’s lead as she bagged another 4-0 sweep. Not to be outdone, Gonzales also secured a point for the Blue and White after defeating Fighting Maroon standout Precious Ferrer, 3-1. Despite Marino falling to UP’s Jallen Agra in a gritty 1.5-2.5 battle, the Blue Eagles still claimed their second victory of the day with an overall score of 3-1.
Ateneo vs. UST
Entering their fourth series of the day with an eagerness to secure their third win in a row, the Blue Eagles faced off against the undefeated UST Lady Woodpushers. Hernandez continued to stake her claim as one of the best in the tournament, making quick work of UST’s Marjeri Janapin, 3-1. However, Villa and veteran Tatoy failed to trump their UST counterparts, as both players fell 1-3. On board three, Gonzales salvaged a draw against Lady Woodpusher Rohanisah Buto, but the Blue Eagles still endured their first overall loss of the day, 1.5-2.5.
Ateneo vs. AdU
After four exhausting battles, the Blue Eagles matched up in their final series of the day against the struggling AdU Lady Falcons. The Katipunan-based squad was swift in stamping their class, with mainstays Hernandez and Villa in boards one and two both routing their opponents, 4-0. Board three saw more of the same for the Blue Eagles, as team captain Flores also secured a point, 2.5-1.5. Finally wrapping up the inaugural UAAP Blitz Chess tournament’s opening day, second-year standout Gonzales claimed a sweep of her own to help the Blue Eagles capture their third overall win of the day.
After the gauntlet of games, Hernandez shared her thoughts on the team’s positive experience thus far in the tournament. “I am happy because this is the first blitz tournament in the UAAP, and it was also very tiring since we played 20 games today,” she noted.
The Blue Eagles look to solidify their place in the Final Four as they face the De La Salle University Lady Woodpushers this Wednesday, 2:00 PM, at the same venue.
