UST, UP take UAAP taekwondo titles

University of Santo Tomas Tiger Jins, UAAP Season 77 champions

The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Jins swept their way to their twelfth men's taekwondo title at the UAAP Season 77 taekwondo tournament at the San Juan Arena late Tuesday.

They completed the sweep with a 4-3 victory over the University of the Philippines to win all six games.

Season 77 MVP Paul Romero remarked, "Sobrang saya since last playing year ko na. Kasi pinaghirapan din talaga namin, bawat isa nagsumikap talaga para maibalik sa amin ang championship."

The University of the East finished in second place with a 5-1 record after defeating La Salle, 4-3. The loss sent the Green Jins to a 3-3 record alongside National University, who also lost to Far Eastern University by the same score. However, NU finishes in third place, thanks to the winner-over-the-other rule.

Commenting on the surprise finish of UE and NU, Romero says "Yung NU at UE, nagte-train ng mabuti para makasabay na sila sa mga dating champion. Sa game ngayon, hindi mo masasabi kung sino ang magaling, kung sino talaga ang malakas. It's more kung sino ang mas malakas sa katawan. Nagma-matter na yung flexible ka at yung sumipa sa ulo."

Romero's teammate Aries Capispisan was named as the Rookie of the Year, while the following were named as the gold medalists:

FEU's Ariel Bacud (fin) and Elijah Marcelino (feather)
UST's Rhayzor Catris (fly) and Gian Rubio (bantam)

La Salle's Kiko Sembrano (light)
NU's Arven Alcantara (welter)
UP's Guillano de Dios (middle heavy)
 

The University of the Philippines Lady Jins, UAAP Season 77 champions

In the women's side, the University of the Philippines Lady Jins ended a 12-year drought to snatch its second-ever UAAP title.

UP defeated La Salle, 5-2, to finish atop the standings at 5-1.

Season 77 MVP Charizza Camille Alombro remarked, "Matagal na naming hinihintay na mag-champion ang women's team. Nagtiwala kami na kahit anong nangyari, kaya naming mag-champion at naging united kami."

UST's chances for a double championship in collegiate taekwondo ended with a 4-3 defeat to FEU. The Lady Tiger Jins, who gave UP its lone defeat this season, would end up tied with their opponents and La Salle at 4-2.

Thanks to their superior quotient, the Lady Jins from Taft would finish second and UST would end up third.

La Salle's Camille Bonje was named as the Rookie of the Year and the gold medalist in the lightweight division, while the following were named as the gold medalists:

FEU's Ronnielette Balancio (fin) and Clouie Bolinas (welter)
UST's Korina Paladin (fly) and Jane Narra (middle heavy)
UP's Stephanie Osio (bantam)
NU's Shiryl Badol (feather)