Tracksters cop 2nd in Unigames

AGAINST high-caliber universities nationwide, the UST Tracksters carved a pair of runners-up finishes in the men’s and women’s athletics competition of the recent University Games (Unigames) last Oct. 25 and 26 at the Perdices Memorial Stadium in Dumaguete City.

The defending champion Lady Tracksters, fell to second behind Rizal Technological University but coach Manny Calipes believes that the team has tremendously improved this year, underscoring its good chance of reclaiming the UAAP title when the Season 71 track and field hostilities open in February. The Lady Tracksters last won the UAAP title in 2001.

UAAP Season 70 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bernardita Mag-aso performed a triple-gold act, conquering the 800-meter, 1500-meter, and 3000-meter runs while Keizel Pedrina and Jean Palencia clocked the fastest records in the 400-meter dash and the 5000-meter run, respectively. Season 70 Rookie of the Year Luville Dato-on bagged the long jump gold .

In the relay races, the Thomasian quartet of Ma. Delapaz Banebane, Meriam Colangoy, Mag-aso and Pedrina ruled the 4x400-meter relay to round up UST’s gold-medal haul.

The Male Tracksters for their part remain confined in the Unigames shadow of UAAP archrival Far Eastern University (FEU) which dominated the men’s bracket anew.

Despite wearing the bridesmaid tag once more, the Male Tracksters still made their presence felt as Junrey Bano clinched the bullion in the 400-meter hurdles while Benigno Marayag essayed a double victory in the long and triple jump events.

Calipes also commended the unexpected heroics of Jordan Billiones and Robin Tuliao who aced the 800-meter run and 110-meter hurdles, respectively.

“The bonus part was that the rookies performed very well and we were able to scout the strengths of our opponents,” Calipes said. This is a very good sign for us in the UAAP.”

Promising newcomers like Ernie Sabiduria, Mark Madera, Jean Palencia and Chit Calopez also bolstered the Make Tracksters’ campaign in the annual off-season meet.

Aside from athletics, UST also competed in beach and indoor volleyball and football.

The hardcourt Tiger Spikers squad emerged as tournament champions while the Lady Spikers stalked first- and second-placers USLS and FEU.

The beach volleyball tandem of Mark Dalit and Julius Sioson gifted UST with another second-place finish.

Meanwhile, the UST booters wound up third in both men’s and women’s football. The male squad brought the rear for San Beda College and West Negros University while their female counterparts trailed behind De La Salle University and FEU.