By Jean Malanum

GOLD. University of the East’s Leah Jhane Lopez (left) squares off with University of Santo Tomas’ Arielle Alcoran in the women’s minus 48kg final of the UAAP Season 87 collegiate judo competition at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila on Saturday (Dec. 14, 2024). Lopez won. (UAAP photo)

MANILA – University of the East and University of Santo Tomas took the early lead at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 collegiate judo tournament at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila on Saturday.

The three-peat champion Lady Warriors earned 23 points after winning three gold and one bronze medals.

Leah Jhane Lopez Lopez defeated UST’s Arielle Alcoran in the women’s minus 48kg; reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player Joemari-Heart Rafael won the minus 57kg category over Ateneo de Manila University’s Robynne Gonzales; Mylene Matias prevailed over De La Salle University’s Hannah Mira in the minus 44kg category; and Jhen Rose Mae Obeja took the bronze in the minus 52kg category.

“My only mindset earlier during my game is that I will give it all for UE, to really pay forward for everything I’ve been through. And it’s time to give back to UE. I gave everything and I have nothing left. I know what we worked hard for, especially my teammates, so I won’t waste it,” the 24-year-old Lopez said.

“I believe in my teammates 100 percent. I know that they’re carrying their champion’s heart. I trust them because of their training and of course, to coach Rod (Rodrigo Rodriguez) who is always there, and no matter how hard, we will not stop to get the championship again,” she added.

UST collected 15 points from one gold courtesy of Faiza Asilum in the minus 52kg category, one silver and five bronzes for second place, followed by Ateneo and La Salle (4 points), and University of the Philippines with three points.

In the men’s division, UST ranked first with 27 points (two golds, four silvers and one bronze), followed by UP with 12 points (one gold and five bronzes), La Salle with seven points (one gold) and Ateneo with two points (two bronzes). (PNA)