In a remarkable showcase of depth, University of the Philippines reclaimed its crown as queens of UAAP Collegiate Swimming, capturing its 22nd women’s division title, fueled by twin wins from ace Quendy Fernandez, Sunday at the New Clark City Aquatics Centre here.
The Fighting Maroons dominated, amassing 472 points to overpower defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles (255), De La Salle University Lady Tankers (222), and University of Santo Tomas Lady Tigersharks (204).
Fernandez, the 20-year-old junior, shone in the women’s 50-meter backstroke—the same event that earned her a Southeast Asian Games slot—setting a new UAAP record of 29.35 seconds to break her previous mark of 29.85. UST rookie Isha Villa (31.71) and UP’s Kate Dequina (31.74) finished a distant second and third, respectively, in this tournament backed by CF Moto, Masiv Sports, and Nike Swim.
In the women’s 50-meter freestyle, Fernandez (27.51 seconds) led a team sweep as Atasha Dela Torre (27.79) and Thanya Dela Cruz (27.89) joined her on the podium.
UP also showcased teamwork in the women’s 400-meter medley relay, where Dequina, Dela Cruz, Nikki Sarmiento, and Colette Adanza powered through for a 4:31.16 finish, ahead of DLSU’s 4:37.12 and UST’s 4:50.10.
Fighting Maroons coach Marichi Gandionco highlighted the team’s “always ready” mindset heading into the Championships.
“Every year, we always prepare ourselves to make sure everyone does their best. We always know that there’s gonna be mishaps that could come our way; unfortunately, these were what cost us the championship last year. This year, coming in, it was really more of keeping that mindset that we can always stay up there and that trying to get it back is no easy task,” said Gandionco, a former national team swimmer.
Reflecting on the season’s success, Gandionco credited both the current roster and new recruits for the team’s triumph.
“It was never easy to ensure that the current swimmers maintain focus and that we recruit girls who will be beneficial for the team both in and out of the water. And, I think, we were able to get that this year. So, we were happy with the result, and we’re going to celebrate this for sure,” Gandionco added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ateneo’s Mishka Sy completed her bid for a second consecutive MVP title after ruling the women’s 200-meter butterfly in 2:24.54, finishing the season with six golds and one silver.
“I feel very happy na this year, I get to tuloy lang this MVP streak. So far, my results have been also better than last year din so I am really happy about it,” said Sy, the 20-year-old who swims for the For The Win Academy Royals Swim Club.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UP’s Aubrey Tom edged UST’s Shairinne Floriano (2:25.92) to finish second in 2:25.65 in the same event, earning her the Rookie of the Year title with one silver and two bronze medals.
Floriano, meanwhile, claimed gold in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke, touching in at 2:45.12 to hold off Ateneo’s Maica Garcia (2:46.20) and DLSU’s Milcah Mina (2:50.16).
