Far Eastern University went undefeated throughout the season to secure its second consecutive title in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated the field with 10 wins and 2 draws, clinching the title as early as Round 12.
“I think they really deserve it because the players truly worked hard. Especially throughout the duration of the UAAP, the players took the initiative to study on their own. That’s really the most important thing for a player,” said FEU assistant coach and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna of the Lady Tamaraws.
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian was the cornerstone of FEU’s Season 87 championship, leading the charge from the top board with seven wins, three draws, and two losses. She earned the gold medal and the MVP award.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Very thankful ako kay God kasi po throughout this tournament ginabayan niya po ako even though may mga naging talo rin po ako. Nung natalo kasi ako, napanghindaan ako ng loob. After that ang naging mindset ko na lang is just play your game,” shared Sebastian, who also won the UAAP MVP in the girls’ division two seasons ago.
“Yan din sabi ng parents ko, laruin na lang yung game. Wag na isipin yung individual standings. Actually, yung pagiging MVP, di ko siya masyadong iniisip. Ang sakin lang po as long as magchampion yung team at mag gold ako. Yun lang po talaga. Yung MVP is just added blessing.”
Fellow Lady Tamaraw and Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (Board 2), Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan (Board 3), Francesca Largo (Board 4), Samantha Umayan (Board 5), and Rhea Jean Canino (Board 6) also secured gold medals in their respective board assignments.
De La Salle University finished as runners-up after a strong performance in the final rounds, while National University took third place.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Lady Green Woodpusher and Woman National Master Francois Magpily led La Salle’s podium finish with a silver medal on Board 1, while former MVP and FIDE Master Allaney Doroy of NU claimed the bronze.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo de Manila University’s Lexie Hernandez earned the top rookie award with a silver medal finish on Board 3. She joined Tan and Hernandez on the Board 2 medal podium, where La Salle’s Rinoa Sadey took the bronze.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo’s Ma. Elayza Villa also earned a silver on Board 2, with UP’s Jerlyn San Diego securing the bronze.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On Board 4, Adamson University’s Robelle De Jesus and NU’s Natasja Balabbo won the silver and bronze, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle’s Checy Telesforo earned the silver on Board 5, while Ateneo’s Alphecca Gonzales claimed the bronze.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Rounding out the medalists, Jelaine Adriano (NU) and Phoebie Arellano (ADU) took silver and bronze on Board 6, respectively.
