By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The University of the East hopes to dominate the UAAP Season 88 fencing tournament, which kicks off at the Makati Coliseum on Friday.
Shawn Nicollei Felipe, a member of the national team, will lead the Red Warriors in a bid for a 13th straight crown.
“I think it’s because of the fact that most of the UE fencers – former and current – have played or are now national team members,” said the three-time MVP, who competed at the Southeast Asian Games in Manila (2019), Cambodia (2023), and Thailand (2025).
“That’s the program of the UE fencing team, for its fencers to always aim higher, be a member of the national team,” added Felipe, whose brother Kiane is also in the Red Warriors roster along with national team mainstay Anthony Concepcion.
Out to stop UE are De La Salle University, bannered by sabre champion Christian Buenaventura; University of the Philippines, spearheaded by John Dexter Ramos; Ateneo de Manila University, led by Andre Agatep; and University of Santo Tomas, powered by Adam Putian.
In the women’s division, UE will bank on Queenie Dalmacio to reclaim the title from UST.
“There is always pressure, but I’ve learned not to think about it. I know I’ve worked hard. We’re motivated. Together with my teammates, we want to get that team saber title back, and the women’s overall title back to UE,” said the three-time MVP Dalmacio, playing in her final season.
Last year’s MVP Allysah Catantan and Rookie of the Year Alexa Larrazabal are not in the roster of UST, which will be spearheaded by siblings Kim and Krystal Tuy.
Nana Carbonell, the Season 86 foil champion, will banner UP, while leading their respective teams are Kaku Dela Cerna (Ateneo) and Cyrra Vergara (DLSU).
UE’s Sophia Cantantan and James Lim will lead the girls’ and boys’ divisions, respectively.
Lucas Palafox (foil) and Enrico Fuentes (epee) are the medal contenders for the guest team PAREF Southridge School. (PNA)
