De La Salle University completed a surprising 5-0 sweep in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Collegiate Taekwondo Tournament, dethroning National University and overcoming perennial powerhouse University of Santo Tomas to claim its ninth championship—and first since 2013—on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Green Jins delivered a pivotal 4-3 victory against the Bulldogs, handing NU its first loss of the season and cementing their own unbeaten run. They capped the day with a commanding 6-1 triumph over the Tiger Jins to secure the title.
“We are very proud of them kahit hindi sila mag-champion because grabe yung hard work nila and their fighting spirit, lahat yun nagbunga,” said Green Jins coach and 2016 Rio Olympian Kirstie Alora.
“Masaya kami na nakuha yung championship.”
La Salle’s success was spearheaded by team captain and tournament MVP Johnson Lloyd Rosario, whose grit and leadership inspired his teammates throughout the competition.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ako hindi ako talented na player, hard work lang talaga,” said the 25-year-old Rosario from Tagum City, Davao del Norte. “Gusto ko yung matatak yung name namin. Na-inspire ako sa other teams namin na nag-champion na. Eto ngayon, naka-contribute na ako sa school namin.”
Rosario, along with gold medalists Einz Aricayos (welterweight) and Marc Andrei Gacilos (middle/heavyweight), powered the Green Jins past their toughest opponents.
NU, the defending champions, settled for second place with a 4-1 record.
Bantamweight Kenneth Buenavides emerged as the tournament’s top rookie, while reigning MVP and two-time featherweight champ Nusair Lao delivered strong performances but fell short against La Salle.
UAAP Season 86 Juniors MVP Melbourne Lustado also took gold in the flyweight division.
The Bulldogs bounced back from their loss to La Salle with a dominant 6-1 win over Far Eastern University to claim the runner-up spot.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In third was UST with a 3-2 slate.
The Bulldogs, who saw their five-season domination came to an end, battled the Tiger Jins for the runner-up honors and emerge triumphant, 4-3. (TJ)
