By Jean Malanum
MANILA – De La Salle University swept all four titles in the inaugural UAAP golf tournament at Tagaytay Midlands on Thursday.
La Salle, backed by a program built on discipline, continuity and relentless pursuit of excellence, bagged the men’s and women’s individual titles as well as both team crowns.
Perry Bucay led the Green Archers, regaining control midway through the final round to complete a seven-stroke triumph in the men’s individual competition with a 74.
He calmly navigated the back nine with a 37 to finish with a two-over card and a four-day aggregate of five-over 293, sealing the victory and the gold medal.
UP’s Joshua Buenaventura settled for silver at 300 after a 78, while another La Salle standout, Zach Castro, secured bronze at 304 following an 81.
“It feels ecstatic. We’re all very happy to win the first-ever UAAP golf title,” Bucay said in a news release.
“Hopefully, we can sustain this success. UAAP is different because it’s the highest collegiate sports organization, so the recognition and support are on another level,” added Bucay, who also credited their stint in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament last year.
In the women’s division, Julia Lua survived a fierce all-day duel with teammate Alexa Dacanay to complete a dominant 1-2 finish for the Lady Archers.
Lua delivered clutch birdies and pars down the stretch to rescue an 80 and finish with a 330 total, prevailing over Dacanay, who shot 83 and 334. Ateneo’s Monique Mendoza was third at 343 following an 88.
With Janine Yusay contributing a 105, La Salle garnered a final-round 268 and a four-day total of 1056 to secure the women’s team title by 21 shots over Ateneo, which finished with 1077 after a 274 behind rounds of 88 from Mendoza, and 92 and 94 from Simi Tinio and Andie Joson, respectively.
UP placed third at 1138 after a 283 built around Ava Heredia and Annika Gozum’s pair of 91s and Katrisse Datoc’s 101. UST (320-1289) and Adamson (365-1478) wound up fourth and fifth, respectively.
In the men’s team competition, Jacob Cajita and Martin Lu backed Bucay’s 74 with 75 and 76, respectively, as La Salle closed with a 225 for an overwhelming 898 total – 30 strokes clear of UP’s 928.
Miggy Roque shot 75 while Buenaventura had 78, and Emilio Carpio added 83 in UP’s final-round 236.
Ateneo was third at 938 after a 234 behind Schmuel Tan’s 74, a 79 from Mich Romero, and an 81 from either Juan Escano and Glenn Unabia. UST and Adamson finished with 262-1005 and 367-1477, respectively. (PNA)
