De La Salle University sent University of Santo Tomas crashing with a near shutout, 3.5-0.5, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Chess Tournament, Wednesday at the Adamson Gym.
For La Salle coach Jan Jodilyn Fronda, the win was a welcome boost of momentum as they brace for consecutive battles against championship-caliber opponents this weekend.
“Magandang build-up ng confidence sa mga bata na nakakuha sila ng momentum ngayong round against UST. Sana yung momentum na yun magtuloy-tuloy hanggang sa mga susunod na round,” said Fronda, as they are set to face National University and Far Eastern University on Sunday.
Woman National Master Francois Magpily (1/2) set the tone for the Lady Woodpushers with a dominant performance on the top board, forcing Precious Yecla (2/3) to resign by the 40th move after an unstoppable mating attack.
On Board 2, rookie Juzeia Agne (1/1) displayed her endgame prowess against Jamaica Lagio (1.5/3), turning an almost equal position into a win through precise queen maneuvers that created a passed pawn, sealing the victory on the 55th move.
Rinoa Sadey (2/2) added another point for La Salle on Board 3 after 45 moves of a Closed Sicilian Defense while playing the white pieces against Josemier Panol (2/3).
Rookie Heart Padilla (1.5/2) then settled for a draw with UST’s Rohanisah Buto (0.5/1) after a 78-move marathon on Board 4, completing La Salle’s domination.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University followed up its earlier upset of defending champions Far Eastern University with a clinical 3-1 victory over University of the Philippines.
Women’s FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (2/2), Jersey Marticio (2/2), and Kyla Dalagan (1/1) all secured victories on Boards 1, 2, and 4 against Raiza Locmayoan (1/3), Janice Monsales (1/3), and Kathrine Tundag (0/1), respectively.
Maryss Caldoza (2/3) scored UP’s lone win against Jelaince Adriano (0.5/2) on Board 3.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ateneo de Manila University also bounced back from back-to-back losses with an impressive 3.5-0.5 triumph over Adamson University.
Ma. Elayza Villa (1.5/3), Alphecca Gonzales (1/3), and Francine Magpily (1/1) defeated Adamson’s Phoebie Arellano (0.5/3), Angela San Luis (1/3), and Lira Placer (0/1), respectively.
Jiessel Marino (1.5/3) rounded out the win for Ateneo with a draw against Ma. Christina Samarita (0.5/2) on the top board.
