THE ATENEO Chess Teams concluded their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 stint following the postseason rounds earlier today, April 12, at the Adamson University Gym in the City of Manila.

Despite falling short in their title retention bid after losing to Far Eastern University (FEU) in the Final Four, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team (AWCT) outsmarted National University (NU) in the Battle for Third to clinch bronze.

On the other hand, the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team (AMCT) dropped their semifinal match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Male Woodpushers and settled for fourth after being defeated by the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Woodpushers in the third-place match.

The quartet of Season 87 Most Valuable Player Elayza Villa, Alphecca Gonzales, Jiessel Marino, and Kristine Flores represented the Blue and White in the Women’s Division. Meanwhile, the Katipunan-based squad enlisted the services of Team Captain Khalil Kis-ing, Ritchie Abeleda, Cedric Abris, Knarf Batislaong, and Eowyn Jullado in the Men’s Division.

Women’s Final Four vs. FEU

Despite the goal of defending their Season 87 title, the Blue Eagles suffered an early blow in the postseason. Their match against the first-seeded Lady Tamaraws only reached the third round before concluding in favor of FEU.

Villa had the most notable performance for Ateneo in the Final Four, winning her first and last rounds on the first board while drawing her second against Lady Tamaraw Franchesca Largo. Meanwhile, Gonzales, Marino, and Flores were turned back by FEU’s Vic Derotas, Mhage Sebastian, and Samantha Umayan on boards two to four, respectively.

Women’s Battle for Third vs. NU

Dead-set on completing Season 88 on the podium, the AWCT tested their mettle against the third-seeded Lady Bulldogs. Villa dismantled NU’s Allaney Doroy on board one, 3.5-0.5, winning each assignment aside from a draw in the third round.

In contrast, Gonzales struggled to outwit Lady Bulldog Jersey Marticio, 1-3, while Marino ended on equal terms with Kyla Dalagan, 1.5-1.5. However, veteran Flores’ 3.5-0.5 board four performance against Yana Emilou De Vera ultimately secured the bronze medal for the Blue Eagles.

Men’s Final Four vs. UST

Kicking off their Final Four campaign, the AMCT went head-to-head against the top-seeded UST Male Woodpushers for a chance to book a Finals berth. However, the Blue and White absorbed a quick defeat, as the game only reached the third round in favor of UST.

Abris was the lone Blue Eagle to get on the scoreboard, settling for a stalemate against Male Woodpusher Lee Palma, 1.5-1.5. On the other hand, Abris, Batislaong, and Jullado faltered against their España-based adversaries, ultimately giving the victory to the Gold and Black.

Men’s Battle for Third vs. DLSU

With a chance to secure a podium finish, Team Captain Kis-ing subbed in for Jullado for the AMCT’s match against the Green Woodpushers. However, the Blue Eagles were unable to outwit their Taft-based counterparts, ending the match in only three rounds in favor of DLSU.

On board one, Abeleda managed to notch half a point for the AMCT, securing a deadlock against DLSU’s Karlycris Clarito. Meanwhile, Abris, Kis-ing, and Batislaong absorbed tough losses against Woodpushers Angele Biete, Cyril Telesforo, and Rigil Pahamtang, respectively, leading to a fourth-place finish for the Blue and White.

Awardees

With the conclusion of the first season of Blitz Chess as a regular UAAP sport, the Blue Eagles bagged a total of 18 points for Ateneo’s general championship tally. In addition to this historic feat, three Ateneans also claimed individual plums for the Loyola Heights-based squad.

Villa finished as the bronze medalist on board one while Flores clinched silver on board four of the Women’s Division. In the Men’s Tournament, Batislaong brought home a bronze following his board four performance for Ateneo.

As the UAAP Chess season officially comes to a close, the Blue and White will bid their seniors farewell with fitting endings to their collegiate careers. These feats include the Women’s squad’s bronze and the Men’s squad’s first Final Four appearance in the tournament.