DLSU Taekwondo teams aim for top finishes in UAAP 77

Early every morning, the DLSU Taekwondo team trains hard in hopes of repeating their impressive stint during UAAP Season 76.

With key additions to their respective teams, the Men’s and Women’s squads are aiming for no less than the top seed this season.

Defending the crown

It was a good year for DLSU Taekwondo during UAAP 76. The Green Jins bagged the championship, dominating the whole competition by winning all six of their matches. Veteran Green Jin Kevin Sia Bagged the Most Valuable Player honors after a stellar performance throughout the tourney.

In their preparation for the UAAP tournament in September, the training for the DLSU Taekwondo teams is now reaching its peak with the tutelage of head Coach Kitoy Cruz.

“Feeling ko, ang laking pressure ngayon kanila coach. Kasi hindi pa nagsasabay yung men and women na champion so ang gusto namin, i-maintain namin yung [championship] sa men’s [team] tapos iaangat naman yung sa women’s [team]”, shares team captain Gerry Del Rosario.

Del Rosario adds that with the intensity of their training regimen lately, it is quite unavoidable that some of their team members experience forms of burn out. “Minsan siguro may times na nagbuburn out yung mga players kaso nakakabawi naman,” Del Rosario describes.

At this point of their training and conditioning, The Green Jins are confident that they will repeat their first place finish last season. When asked if they can repeat the stellar performance they had back in season 76, Del Rosario expounds, “Oo naman. Kasi napaghandaan talaga namin. Naghahanda parin kami ngayon kahit September pa naman yung laban. “

The road to redemption

The Lady Jins, on the distaff, finished third, falling short in repeating the first place finish they accomplished the year before. The talented Lady Jins, however, managed to register a respectable win-loss record, winning four of their six matches.

Capturing the women’s championship two seasons ago, the Lady Jins are on the road to redemption this year after finishing third last time around. With four rookies added to their arsenal, the young and vastly improved Lady Jins look to impress this coming season. “They still have a lot to learn but they don’t let it get in the way of doing and trying their best. One thing I love about them is that they’re very enthusiastic. They listen and accept our help. That kind of attitude can only get them far,” shares team captain Isa Bonifacio with regards to her four new cadets.

One of the main pillars of the Lady Jins is their team chemistry. The Lady Jins are a tightly knit team centered by their common passion, which is the sport of Taekwondo.

“We all grew up in the sport and that made it easier for us to bond when we first entered La Salle. But we also have this connection I can’t really explain. We’ve been through so much together that we’re of one mind, one goal and one heart. We’re all like sisters who, despite our differences and faults, are going to keep fighting together and for each other no matter what,“ added Bonifacio

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With months of grueling preparation and eager rookies added to their rosters, expect the DLSU Taekwondo teams to deliver victory and excitement as the UAAP competition kick-starts this coming September.