By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, Tarlac – University of the East surged ahead in the UAAP Season 87 High School Athletics tournament, amassing 410.5 points by the end of Wednesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.
Defending champions University of Santo Tomas trail in second place with 343.5 points.
Record-Breaking Performances for UE
Jazen Araño spearheaded UE’s charge with a record-breaking gold in the hammer throw, registering a distance of 39.66 meters. This eclipsed her previous record of 34.71 meters set on November 30, 2023.
“Syempre, thankful po ako na nagawa ko nang maayos ‘yung pinaghandaan kong event. Main event ko po talaga ang hammer throw; ‘yun po talaga ang priority ko out of the four events,” said Araño, a graduating Humanities and Social Studies student.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud po kasi simula day one ng season, grabe po ‘yung training namin. Nakikita ko naman po na nagbubunga ang lahat ng effort. ‘Yun po ang mahalaga,” she added.
Just like last season, teammates Louise Managan (35.33m) and Alyannah Ico (35.19m) completed another podium sweep for UE in the hammer throw.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE’s Jeralyn Rodriguez also shone in the 400-meter hurdles, breaking the UAAP record twice in one day. Her finals time of 1:02.99 surpassed the previous record of 1:05.11 set by former UE standout Ellah Sirilian in UAAP Season 80 (2017).
UST’s Jamaica Saligan (1:03.83) and Ma. Lhynnette Libranda (1:07.88) secured silver and bronze in the event.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the 5000-meter walk, UE’s Sep Placido claimed gold with a new UAAP record of 28:47.58, shattering the mark set by UST’s Aira Mae Gacusan (30:25.61) last November 22, 2023. Adamson University’s Iralea Dumaguin (29:45.44) and UST’s Kate Mantawel (30:35.78) completed the podium.
UST’s Lyka Raterta Shines in 5000-Meter Run
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s Lyka Raterta delivered a clutch performance in the 5000-meter run, capturing gold with a time of 20:17.97. Adamson’s Nene Minagua (20:20.92) and Erika Dorado (20:43.18) followed in second and third place.
UST Boys Clings to Slim Lead
The UST Junior Male Tracksters maintained a narrow edge in the boys’ standings, leading with 260 points against Adamson University’s 258 points.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST’s Prince Yumang powered the team with a gold medal in the shot put, achieving a mark of 13.26 meters. Adamson’s John De Guzman (12.40m) and UE’s Abdul Hakim Marahomsalic (11.43m) settled for silver and bronze, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the decathlon, Adamson’s John Philip Villar claimed gold with 5331 points, ahead of UST’s Christian Vibar (4918) and UE’s Dustin Lanza (4663).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
National University Nazareth School’s Kharis Pantonial bagged his fifth gold of the season with a 400-meter hurdles win, clocking 55.07 seconds. Fellow Bullpup Larry Taripe and UST’s Justin Kilat completed the podium.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE’s Anthony Cariaso and Erick Jay Pensahan took gold and silver in the 5000-meter run with times of 17:43.15 and 17:44.52, respectively. UST’s Almie Aiso captured bronze with 17:44.94.
With the final events set for Thursday, UE’s girls are on track to secure their first-ever championship, while UST’s boys look to fend off Adamson for a triumphant finish.
