UAAP fencing: UE boosts women’s title bid with 2 golds

UE fencer Rein Bustos. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—University of the East snared a golden double to bolster its chance of regaining the women’s crown in the UAAP Season 82 fencing tournament Wednesday at Paco Arena.

The Lady Warriors went 1-2 in the women’s individual saber event with Queendenise Dalmacio brushing off Elvielyn Joy Javinar, 15-5, in the gold medal match.

UE’s triumph came after reigning MVP Maxine Esteban of Ateneo failed to retain her individual saber title, losing to Javinar, 15-6, in the semifinals.

Esteban, who won the individual foil on Tuesday, failed to reach the podium in the individual epee.

Rein Bustos gave UE its first gold in the women’s division after dealing University of Santo Tomas’ Marielle Peralta, 15-10, in the individual epee final.

Jaime Viceo gave the Blue Eagles their first men’s gold after he took a narrow 15-14 victory over two-time MVP Sammuel Tranquilan of UE in men’s individual foil.

UE has an overall 2-1-2 medal haul to take the top spot in the women’s ranks while its men’s team holds a 2-2-0 tally at No. 1.