ENTERING A brand new format, the Ateneo Taekwondo Teams began their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Kyorugi campaign with mixed results. The matches were held earlier today, April 22, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the City of Manila. 

The Kyorugi Blue Eagles utilized jins Margaux Dela Cruz, Angel Valencia, Rigel Dumat-ol, Kenshin Bonos, Gabe Samson, Carl Williams, Javier Macasaet, Wreily Canao, and Randz Gaupo for their Season 88 opener. Williams strung a set of impressive performances, which placed him in the finals of the lightweight division.

Women’s Finweight

Commencing Ateneo’s Women’s finweight campaign, Dela Cruz stepped on the mat against Far Eastern University (FEU)’s Althea Quesada. She advanced through the second round with a flurry of kicks, winning 2-1. Advancing to the quarterfinals, Dela Cruz faced off against first-seeded Princess Azarcon from the University of the Philippines (UP). Dela Cruz’s run concluded against Azarcon in the quarters, conceding the match in a 0-2 defeat.

Following Dela Cruz, Valencia continued her team’s finweight push against National University’s (NU) Caitlyn Carlos. The Blue Eagle struggled against her Sampaloc-based opponent, leading to an early 0-2 exit as she was unable to find her groove.

Women’s Flyweight 

Representing the Blue and White as the lone flyweight, Dumat-ol squared off against De La Salle University’s Philomena De Leon. Dumat-ol utilized her length against her adversary, delivering a variety of kicks to the torso. The Blue Eagle advanced to the second round, winning her first match in a 2-1 victory.

In her following match, the Katipunan-based jin looked to continue her season, facing UP’s Mikaela Sese. The Blue Eagle fought valiantly against the Fighting Maroon, but had difficulties defending against her opponent’s precise kicks. In the end, Dumat-ol’s season concluded in a 0-2 defeat.

Women’s Bantamweight

Competing in the bantamweight division, Blue Eagle Bonos stepped on the mats against NU’s RJ Arquinon. Despite Bonos’ attempts to achieve victory, the Loyola Heights-based jin had trouble against her adversary’s series of kicks to the midsection. Bonos bounced early in the tournament with a 0-2 defeat.

Men’s Featherweight

Stepping on the mat next, Samson was the Blue Eagles’ sole jin for the featherweight division. Samson went toe-to-toe against NU’s Kent Banzon. Despite taking an aggressive approach, the Katipunan-based jin found it challenging to penetrate his opponent’s defense, resulting in a 0-2 defeat.

Men’s Lightweight

Alongside Samson, Season 87 bronze medalist Williams engaged UP’s Genesis Almirol. Williams entered a close-quarter combat, as he went back-and-forth in a three-set thriller. Despite his opponent’s attempts, Williams emerged victorious in a 2-1 triumph, advancing to the semis.

In the penultimate round, Williams clashed against University of Santo Tomas’ John Pasion. Williams made quick work of his adversary, with a burst of attacks and punches to the torso, 2-1.

Men’s Welterweight 

In the opening rounds, Macasaet faced off against NU’s Carl Ayaton. He fought valiantly and made sure to attack his adversary’s defense with multiple attacks. The Blue Eagle jin prolonged the match to a deciding three sets, but ultimately conceded the match, 1-2. 

Following Macasaet, Canao aimed to make a mark on the welterweight division, facing off against UP’s Russel Villanueva. Canao faced difficulties penetrating Villanueva’s defense, as the Fighting Maroon’s length proved to be a challenge. Despite attempts to mount a comeback, Canao’s season ended early in a 1-2 defeat. 

Men’s Middle/heavyweight

For the last match of the day, the Blue Eagles called upon Gaupo to topple FEU’s Jemuel Rendora. Gaupo struggled early on from his opponent’s kicks to the midsection, as he could not find a defensive adjustment. The lone Atenean middle/heavyweight relented in his only match, 0-2.  

Looking to strike gold, Blue Eagles will be competing in the men’s finweight to bantamweight division and the women’s featherweight to middle/heavyweight division tomorrow, 8:00 AM, in the same venue. Meanwhile, Williams will aim for a coveted first-place finish this Friday, April 24, 8:00 AM, in the same venue.

Editor’s Note: Ateneo Women’s Taekwondo Team member Margaux Dela Cruz is currently a sports staffer of The GUIDON.