University of Santo Tomas initiated its pursuit of a back-to-back golden double, leading both the boys’ and girls’ sides of the UAAP Season 86 High School Judo Championships at the end of Day 1 on Thursday at the Marikina Sports Complex.
Reigning MVP John Patrick De Tomas guided the Junior Male Tiger Judokas to a 22-16 advantage over University of the East with a gold in the lightweight (under 73 kg) this time, surpassing teammate and last season’s silver medalist, Joermil Caguicla.
Julian De Castro retained De Tomas’ crown in the half-lightweight (under 66 kg) division for España after defeating Joaquin Casimeio of Ateneo de Manila in the Final.
On the other hand, Eric Kaede Rodriguez led the UE Junior Warriors’ campaign with his second straight featherweight (under 55 kg) gold, this time over Cricien Gloria of the Junior Tiger Judokas.
The rebuilding side also secured another gold from Rupert Fernandez in the extra-lightweight (under 60 kg) category.
De La Salle Zobel and Ateneo are tied in third place with five points each.
Meanwhile, the Junior Tigress Judokas amassed 26 points to lead the girls’ side by securing two gold and all four silver medals available.
Margaret Fajardo retained her heavyweight (over 78 kg) gold against fellow Thomasian Gabrielle Gambe, while Mariah Lua claimed the half-heavyweight (under 78 kg) title over Grace Gangan, also of UST.
With one gold each, the two other medals awarded for the girls’ side, the DLSZ Junior Lady Green Judokas, and the UE Junior Lady Warriors are tied in second with seven points each.
Gabrielle Talaue of DLSZ won the half-middleweight (under 63 kg), and Jamaica Trinos of UE secured the middleweight (under 70 kg) gold against UST’s Jennelyn Tunacao and Althea Lua, respectively.
