CAPAS, Tarlac — Far Eastern University ended a six-year drought in emphatic fashion, reclaiming the UAAP Women’s Athletics crown in Season 87 with a commanding 397.5-point finish at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.
“It was an awesome feeling kasi alam naman natin na mahirap makuha ‘yung championship,” said FEU head coach Ross Hamero. “Sa recruitment pa lang, then sa injuries ng players. Kaya it was so satisfying, especially hindi ko inaakala na ‘yung lamang namin is nasa 100 points.”
This triumph marked FEU’s league-leading 25th women’s championship and the university’s first title of the season.
Hamero couldn’t help but marvel at the growth of her athletes: “Bilib ako sa mga bata talaga; I’m amazed sa pinakita nila kasi noon talaga para silang baby. Pero ngayon, nakikita mo as Tamaraws, nanunuwag talaga sila.”
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas took the runner-up spot in the women’s division with 291 points, buoyed by final-day victories in the shot put and 100-meter hurdles.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s Jamela de Asis dominated the shot put with a throw of 12.78 meters, while Lyka Miravalles narrowly clinched the hurdles title with a time of 14.68 seconds.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
De La Salle University made its presence felt with an electrifying performance in the 4×400-meter relay.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The quartet of Hanna Jandra Delotavo, Jessel Lumapas, Erica Ruto, and back-to-back MVP Bernalyn Bejoy shattered their own UAAP record with a blazing 3:47.37 finish.
FEU and UST placed second and third, respectively, in the relay, while UP settled for sixth.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adding to FEU’s celebrations, Shane Ponce was named Rookie of the Year in the women’s division, capping a historic season for the Lady Tamaraws.
