With reports from Arden Bacallan
The Green-and-White earned mixed results as they finished the 11th and 12th rounds of the UAAP Season 81 Chess Tournament, which was held last October 20 and 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
As the Lady Woodpushers notched two dominant victories during the weekend, they now currently sit in first place with 35.5 points. On the other end, the Green Woodpushers could not clinch a victory, and maintained their eighth place standing with 14 points. Two rounds remain in the competition.
Round 11: Contrasting results for the teams from Taft
The Green Woodpushers succumbed to the NU Bulldogs, 3-1, in their first matchup for the weekend. Justine Co, Raymond Ng, and Tristan Ibaoc fell to their respective counterparts, 3-0, Paulo Bersamina, Christian Magtabog, and Arnel Iligan, respectively. Meanwhile, Gio Mejia played and won against Robin Ignacio, 1-0, thus ending the round with a full point for the Green-and-White.
Meanwhile, the Lady Woodpushers dominated the UST Golden Tigresses, 4-0. DLSU’s Mira Mirano and Antoinette San Diego were successful in their individual matchups against Glenderlyn Anaña and Highzzy Manaloto, respectively. Additionally, Ella Moulic and Samantha Revita also took home victories of the same scoreline for DLSU over Golden Tigresses Mary Ann Alcantara and Hilary Murillo, respectively.
Round 12: Lady Woodpushers continue to dominate, Green Woodpushers forge draw
The Lady Woodpushers capped off the weekend on a good note as they managed to sweep the Lady Eagles, 4-0. Revita, Mirano, San Diego, and Moulic all sealed 1-0 victories over Minella Sandoval, Alexis Oseña, Merlene Membrere, and Laila Nadera, respectively.
DLSU’s Richmond Young bowed out early in the competition to AdU’s Khristian Arellano, 1-0. Consecutively, Green Woodpusher Ng lost to Soaring Falcon Godfrey Villamor, 1-0. Despite the results of the first few matchups, Ibaoc was able to add in the win column as he defeated Soaring Falcon Alji Cantonjos. While all Lasallians were through with their matchups, Mejia was the last still competing. As a group of officials crowded the table, Jayson Tapia extended his hand and gave the win to Mejia. DLSU bounced back from their loss in the previous day after settling for a 2-all draw to the AdU Soaring Falcons.
After competing in the second to the last set of rounds of the tournament, it suddenly dawned on team captain Gio Mejia that he’s playing as a Green Woodpusher for the last time next weekend. When asked how he felt about that fact, Mejia laughingly said, “Malungkot kasi ngayon lang kami nakabawi, actually first draw namin ‘yon for the season, pero okay naman kasi bumabawi na kami kaya okay lang.”
(It’s sad because we only made a comeback now. Actually, the draw a while ago was our first draw for the season, but it’s okay because we’re recovering now that’s why it’s okay.)
Likewise, head coach Susan Neri affirmed that she gave the same advice to both of the teams, “Maintain the composure, one game at a time.” Since it’s Mejia’s last few games, Neri also added, “Do it for Gio, baunan niyo naman ng magandang alaala yung team mate niyo.”
(Do it for Gio, give your teammate good memories to bring home.)
La Salle will return to the same venue on October 27, at 1pm, as the Green, Lady Woodpushers take on the FEU Tamaraws, and the Lady Tamaraws, respectively.
