CAPAS, TARLAC — Far Eastern University charged back in the women’s division after edging out erstwhile leader University of Santo Tomas at the conclusion of Day 2 of the UAAP Season 88 Athletics Championships on Friday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.
The Lady Tamaraws, aiming for their 26th UAAP title, seized the top spot in the standings with 151.5 points, claiming two of the six golds contested on the day.
Magtubo Shatters 5,000-Meter Record
Second-year standout Edna Magtubo led the charge for FEU, backed by CF Moto and Masiv Sports. The 22-year-old Mandurriao National High School product outpaced National University’s Jesse Roda in the women’s 5,000 meters to claim FEU’s first gold of the day.
Her time of 17:59.13 shaved nine milliseconds off the nearly 23-year-old record of national track legend Mercedita Manipol, who set 17:59.22 in 2002.
“Hindi ko rin po kasi talaga inaasahan na makuha ko siya kasi nga alam ko po na malakas rin ‘yung mga kalaban. Nagpapasalamat lang din po ako kay Lord na ligtas po ako sa laban at walang naging injury,” Magtubo said.
“Ang tinitignan ko po talaga ‘yung kalaban; hindi ko naman po nalaman na na-break ko na pala ‘yung record. Ang iniisip ko lang naman po namin talaga is paano kami mag-me-medal, paano kami pupuntos. Suporta lang po sa isa’t isa.”
Roda finished second at 17:59.50, while fellow Lady Tamaraw Nicole Diloy completed the podium with 18:03.01.
Espenilla Adds Javelin Gold
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
FEU’s dominance continued as rookie Ana Bhianca Espenilla topped the women’s javelin throw with a 48.00-meter heave, far ahead of University of the Philippines’ Chrizzel Lanipa (38.08) and UE’s Janice Nemi (37.18).
UST, DLSU Battle for Podium Spots
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The UST Lady Tracksters slipped to second place with 125 points, boosted by Lianne Pama’s second gold of the season in the 200 meters, finishing 24.39 seconds ahead of DLSU’s Hanna Delotavo (24.70) and FEU’s Shane Ponce (24.99).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
DLSU, Season 86 champions, moved into third with 94.75 points, thanks to a two-gold showing from fourth-year senior Abcd Agamanos, who won both the triple jump (12.41m) and the heptathlon (4,432 points).
Rea Rafanan earned silver in both events, while UST’s Jeanne Arnibal and FEU’s Antonette Aguillon completed the respective podiums.
NU Takes Men’s Lead
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the men’s division, Season 86 champions National University overtook UST for the lead with 91.5 points, fueled by Rico Jay Patanao’s gold in the 10,000 meters (32:44.72), ahead of MVP Alfrence Braza (32:52.39) and UP’s Roy Laudit (32:56.66).
Record-Breaking Performances
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
DLSU’s Joshua Patorara set a new record in the men’s long jump at 7.44 meters, surpassing previous mark of 7.39 meters by national team standout Janry Ubas in Season 80 (2017).
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UE’s Vianmar Dela Cruz defended his 10,000-meter racewalk crown, clocking a new record of 45:12.61, shattering his own previous mark of 48:27.08 from last season.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adamson’s Kent Jardin redeemed himself in the 200 meters, taking gold at 21.58 seconds, just ahead of FEU’s Andreas Womack (21.70) and UP’s Alhryan Labita (21.85).
At the close of Day 2, NU held a slim 3.5-point lead over FEU (88 points), while UST and reigning men’s champion UP remained within striking distance with 83 and 82 points, respectively.
