By: Waylon Galvez
Similar to their campaign last season, University of the East faces a tough challenge from other schools as the Red Warriors begin their bid for the overall championship in the UAAP Fencing Championships on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Vito Cruz, Manila.
The defending champions in all four divisions—boys’ and girls’ high school categories, and men’s and women’s college categories—the Red Warriors are determined to extend their dominance and set another record. They aim for a ninth overall title in the last 10 years.
However, longtime UE mentor Amat Canlas Jr. knows that nothing will come easy.
This is especially true after the team faced doubts at the start of their campaign in Season 85 due to the absence of several key fencers.
Despite the challenges, UE pulled through, particularly in the men’s team epee category, where Philippine team member Kulai Felipe, senior RJ Perez, and rookies Aurell Obzunar and Ramil Encelan teamed up to clinch the title. Alongside foilist Robert Cabaero, they also secured the men’s championship.
Canlas believes this year will be even tougher, especially for the women’s team.
“Every UAAP season may pressure talaga samin (coaches and players) kasi hindi lang dahil isa ang dine-depensahan naming title kundi four divisions ang kailangan naming i-depensa,” Canlas said.
“This Season 87 mas mahirap kasi maraming schools ang lumakas, kaya todo paghahanda talaga kami,” he added, referring to University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, and fencing host De La Salle University.
The first two days of competition—Tuesday and Wednesday—will feature individual events across all three weapons in all four categories. The team events will take place on Thursday and Friday, where the overall champions, along with top rookies and MVPs, will be named.
The men’s team has strengthened its lineup with the addition of former UE high school standouts Louis Shoemaker (foil), Von Gale (epee), Anthony Concepcion (saber), and Charles Babatio (saber) to the existing ‘Voltes V’ core of Felipe, Perez, Obzunar, Encelan, and Cabaero.
The women’s team will continue to rely on Queen Dalmacio, Angel Beltran, and rookie Andreanne Lising in sabre, Andrea Matias, Iya Schofield, and PH team member Jaymi delos Santos in epee, and freshman Leila Vizcayno, the sole foilist on the women’s team.
However, the Red Warriors face a setback with the departure of Eytria Olarte, who won silver in women’s foil last season and transferred to UP, where she is serving a one-year residency.
For Canlas, this challenge presents an opportunity for others to step up.
“Para sa amin, pressure is a privilege. Tinanggap namin ito nang buong puso at malinaw na purpose,” he said.
In the high school division, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are expected to dominate. Reigning back-to-back girls’ MVP Sophie “Opao” Catantan, a national team member, and Season 85 Rookie of the Year and MVP James Lim will lead the charge.
Catantan and Lim—both foilists—will be joined by Willa Galvez, Aly Gilbert, and rookie Yuna Canlas in girls’ foil, Brynt Gale and Frances Obzunar in boys’ foil. In saber, the girls’ team will feature Shy Catantan, Nicol Canlas, and Ryona Salvante, while the boys’ team will include national team member Khianne Felipe and Brian Siembra.
In epee, the girls’ team is solid with Nina Canlas, Mika Ragot, Irish Manaois, and Juliana Jimenez, while the boys’ team will continue to have Ruzel Galiano and Don “Boo” Geronimo.
The men’s team of UE is aiming to extend its dominance for the 10th straight season, while the women’s team is eyeing a three-peat. The boys’ squad hopes to extend its streak to 13, and the girls’ team is aiming for its 11th straight title.
UST, which placed second overall in the men’s category last season, will be a major threat, alongside UP—now with national team member Miggy Bautista in epee.
On the women’s side, UP and UST, powered by national team member Ysah Catantan, are also strong contenders.
“We prepared hard for this tournament. I hope our players remember that. The opportunity to come out on top is always there, but we need to be on the same page—players and coaches. Only then can we beat the reigning champions,” said UP mentor Allan Dator.
