De La Salle University concluded a dominant campaign, seeking redemption from last season’s meltdown, and secured its first-ever UAAP Women’s Athletics title at the close of the Season 86 championships on Sunday at the PhilSports Track Oval in Pasig City.
The Lady Green Tracksters claimed the title with 301 points, surpassing traditional powerhouses Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (268) and University of Santo Tomas Female Tracksters (235).
“First-ever title, first-ever. Speechless ako eh, but I’m so happy,” De La Salle head coach Jeoffrey Chua said. “Sabi ko lang sa kanila, ‘Stay motivated.'”
National athlete and eventual women’s MVP Bernalyn Bejoy led the campaign for the De La Salle Lady Green Tracksters with four gold medals for the season, including the 4×400-meter relay, the highlight event of the final day.
Bejoy took over from Hannah Delotavo during the relay, paving the way for Erica Ruto and Jessel Lumapas to finish in 3:50.40. FEU secured the silver with a time of 3:57.80, while UP claimed the bronze with 3:58.78.
“Goal ko po talaga si mag-MVP and makuha ng team ‘yung championship. Nagtiwala lang po ako sa sarili ko at, syempre, sa team. Masaya ako na nakuha ko both,” said Bejoy, the 22-year-old senior who hails from Bacolod City.
Bejoy also achieved gold in league-record-breaking fashion in the 400m (55.75) and 400m hurdles (1:00.49), as well as the 800m race (2:12.86). She also secured bronze in the 200m (24.88).
Abcd Agamanos secured the second gold of the day for De La Salle by winning the 100-meter hurdles in 15.08 seconds, edging out University of the East’s Patricia Lobos with 15.10. Women’s Rookie of the Year Jeanne Arnibal completed the top three with 15.19 seconds.
Arnibal excelled in the heptathlon (4,195) and triple jump (12.28) events while securing second place in the high jump (1.60).
