By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, TARLAC — Adamson University etched its name in UAAP history by claiming its first-ever High School Girls’ Athletics championship on Sunday at the New Clark City Stadium here.
Following the University of the East Junior Lady Warriors’ historic title run in Season 87, it was now the Lady Baby Falcons’ turn to soar to glory.
Despite finishing Day 3 without a gold medal, their consistent performances and a total of 180 points kept them in strong contention heading into the final day.
The Baby Falcons’ impressive haul of 10 silver medals proved crucial in securing their first overall crown in the championships, sponsored by CF Moto and Masiv Sports.
Demonstrating their hunger for a maiden UAAP title, Adamson finally struck gold twice on the fourth and final day of competition.
In the 2,000-meter steeplechase, Erika Dorado powered to victory with a time of 7:54.52, earning Adamson’s first gold medal. Her teammate Nene Mianagua followed with a bronze finish of 8:15.41, while UE’s Shaira Fantiliaga clocked 7:59.43 to claim silver.
Building on that momentum, Marjorie Ragudos delivered Adamson’s second gold in the girls’ high jump, clearing 1.58 meters. UST’s Rica Clavel (1.50) narrowly missed out by 8 centimeters, taking silver.
Meanwhile, her teammate Liana Ascan completed the podium with bronze at 1.45 meters.
When the dust settled, Adamson amassed a total of 457 points to clinch the overall championship. University of Santo Tomas successfully defended its silver podium finish with 446.5 points, while last year’s titleholder UE settled for bronze with 387 points.
“Naiiyak ako sa sobrang saya kase dahil first time to, di ko aakalain na makukuha namin yang aming first overall champion para sa girls,” shared head coach Ronald Corot, reflecting on the Baby Falcons’ historic triumph.
“Nag bunga yung mga pinaghirapan ng mga bata, yung sakripisyo nila. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Adamson University dahil sila nagbigay ng support sa’min at sa kung ano ang kailangan namin,” he continued.
The Junior Lady Tracksters mounted a spirited effort to chase the top spot, bagging three gold medals on the final day.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST reigned supreme in the 4×400-meter relay, where the quartet of Liana Ascan, Fiona Pilaspilas, Lhynette Libranda, and graduating senior Francine Rosario dominated with a time of 4:05.72.
UE, the lone other competitor, finished with silver at 4:29.06.
“Sobrang saya sa feeling kase po last UAAP ko na po ngayon, next season sana makalaro pa rin ako for UST para sa college naman po,” said Rosario, who capped her final UAAP season with four individual golds, one silver, and the coveted Most Valuable Player award.
Libranda also made her mark by breaking the UAAP girls’ 100-meter hurdles record, eclipsing Eliza Cuyom’s 2018 mark of 14.95 seconds set in Pasig. The 17-year-old clocked 14.85 seconds, with teammate Rosario placing second at 16.10, while a UE Junior Lady Warrior secured bronze in 16.26.
She then went on to capture UST’s third gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, stopping the clock at 1:06.47. Adamson’s Juvelle Matnog followed closely for silver with 1:07.10, while UST’s Shane Tibang completed the podium with bronze at 1:08.47.
UE’s Sep Blesse Placido concluded her UAAP high school career on a high note, setting a new record in the 5,000-meter walk. Placido surpassed her own mark of 28:47.54, set on November 9, 2024, with a new time of 26:39.78.
Her teammate, Meljane Dano, finished second at 27:44.08, while Adamson’s Iralea Dumaguin claimed bronze with 28:15.48.
Placido’s record-breaking farewell served as a fitting finale for her time with the Junior Lady Warriors.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UE’s Shaira Fantiliaga was hailed as the Season’s Rookie of the Year.
“Masaya po kase na nakuha ko po yung Rookie of the Year na first time ko dito sa UAAP. Siyempre sa sarili ko, I’m so proud. Di ko inaakala na makakamit ko ‘to and di ko inaakala na magkaka-medal kami dito,” the 13-year-old shared.
