CAPAS, Tarlac – Johnpaul Araneta seized a long-awaited gold in the men’s 100 meters to propel University of Santo Tomas to the lead at the close of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Athletics Championships’ opening day on Sunday at the New Clark City Stadium here.
The 23-year-old sprinter from Malaybalay, Bukidnon clocked 10.73 seconds, dethroning reigning MVP Alhryan Labita of University of the Philippines and denying him a third straight title in the event.
Araneta’s victory boosted the Tiger Tracksters to first place with 75 points, comfortably ahead of the Fighting Maroons’ 44.
On the women’s side, 24-time champions Far Eastern University overcame UP’s strong morning performance to dominate the afternoon events. The Lady Tamaraws amassed 87 points, edging out UP’s 78.
“Ang goal po talaga namin ay championship, pero parang nasa 60-40 po ang chances kasi hindi po kami kompleto sa lahat ng events. Kulang po kami sa walk,” said Araneta, an alumnus of Bukidnon National High School.
“Thankful po kasi it’s a good start sa campaign namin. Sana po magpatuloy ito hanggang sa last day,” he added, noting UST’s 21-year quest to reclaim the championship last won in Season 66 (2003).
UST’s dominance extended to other events, with Lorenz Datiles finishing second in the 100 meters (10.82) and Clint Niño Neri of UP securing third (10.85).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Hokett Delos Santos led a UST podium sweep in the pole vault, clearing 5.00 meters. Teammates Mejen Sumbogan (4.35m) and Sean Harry Narag (4.05m) completed the trifecta.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the shot put, UP’s Ed Deliña, the Season 81 Rookie of the Year, clinched gold with a personal-best throw of 14.86 meters. Fellow Maroon Jake Jacob Saga took silver with 13.44 meters, while Adamson University’s Daniel Rambacal secured bronze at 12.97 meters.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo de Manila University rookie Hassan Loraña delivered another standout performance, narrowly beating National University’s John Lloyd Cabalo in the 800 meters with a time of 1:53.17. Cabalo settled for silver at 1:53.38, while FEU’s Alfrence Braza earned bronze at 1:54.27.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU’s women sprinters showcased their prowess as Shane Joy Ponce (12.05 seconds) and Annie Rose Mercurio (12.22 seconds) finished 1-2 in the 100 meters. De La Salle University’s Jessel Lumapas edged out Angelyn Ortiz of FEU for bronze in a dramatic photo finish, with both clocking 12.28 seconds.
The UP Fighting Maroons relied heavily on their morning events, scoring 64 of their 78 points early.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Leading the charge was returning athlete Mea Gey Niñura, who clinched gold in the 10,000 meters with a time of 39:52.39. National triathlete Erika Burgos, also of UP, followed in second at 40:02.88, while FEU’s Edna Magtubo earned bronze with a 40:27.51 finish.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s Azeneth Serat shone in the women’s 5,000-meter racewalk, clocking 27:36.57 to take gold. UP’s Juliana Talaro (28:15.64) and Mary Julianne Bayola (28:40.00) claimed silver and bronze, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s hammer throw, UST’s Joana Marie Bandal dominated with a heave of 42.05 meters, well ahead of NU’s Jane Cambonga (39.62m) and UST teammate Rashied Faith Burdeos (39.57m).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s Khrizzie Ruzol capped off the day by topping the women’s pole vault with a height of 3.25 meters. Beatriz Pelaez of University of the East and UP’s Isabelle Sta. Maria rounded out the podium with 2.75 and 2.40 meters, respectively.
The Tamaraws closed the day in third place on the men’s leaderboard with 33 points, while their Female Tracksters remained within striking distance at third on the women’s side with 73 points.
Day 2 of the championships resumes Monday at 6 a.m.
