Editor: Delfin Ray M. Dioquino
Sports 15
SEPTEMBER 26, 2016
Lady Judokas, building own dynasty in UAAP By RANDELL ANGELO B. RITUMALTA WINNERS of five of the Last six UAAP titles, the UST Lady Judokas hope to extend their dominant run as the new season opens in November. Following a landslide victory over the University of the East for their second straight crown in Season 78, the team still has an intact lineup with team captain Tracy Honorio, reigning MVP Khrizzie Pabulayan, Rookie of the Year Miam Salvador and Lei Tolentino. But head coach Gerard Arce is bothered by the new pointing system, even if UST had a stunning 62-point gap over UE in the previous season. The previous point system, which awards 10 points for gold, five for silver and two for bronze is now reduced to seven, three, and one, respectively. Ateneo de Manila University has been pushing for the rule change since Season 77. “The expectations are high but our mindset is like we are hungry to win and to achieve more,” Arce told the Varsitarian in an interview. The new rule will affect none of his players if they have the will to win, Arce said. The six-year coach also said the team is under rigid training, focusing mostly on their Tachiwaza (throwing techniques), Newaza (ground techniques) and Kumikata (gripping methods). The Judokas’ dojo, their training hall, proved to be a forge for champions as Arce noticed more players starting from scratch than when he had just taken over the team in 2011—the time they won the first chip of their three-peat. Last season, the Lady Judokas bagged six gold medals, four silvers and three bronzes, including a three all-Thomasian championship matches. With their dominance, team captain Honorio is confident of defending their title. “We train everyday even on weekends. We double our effort to make sure that we win the championship and of course Coach Arce is there to guide us along the way,” she said. RANDELL ANGELO B. RITUMALTA ESTABLISHING A DYNASTY. Lady Judoka Lei Tolentino pins her opponent down the mat.
ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN
Gutierrez leaves indoor volley; forms beach duo with Rondina
JEM NICOLE Gutierrez will team up with Cherry Ann Rondina for the UST Lady Spikers in their bid for the UAAP beach volleyball title this season. Gutierrez will replace Rica Jane Rivera, who will now play for the indoor volleyball team. The Lady Spikers slid to fifth after winning the championship the year before. “This time I really need to trust myself more and I can say that I gained enough maturity because I have been through a lot the past few years,” Gutierrez told the Varsitarian in an interview. Gutierrez proved to be an able substitute as third man on the sand courts when she took over the injured Rivera, a former Rookie of the Year awardee, and partnered with Rondina during their championship run in the 19th Nestea Beach volleyball tournament last May. The Nestea stint became an eyeopener for Lady Spikers head coach Jan Paul Doloiras to choose Gutierrez as the perfect tandem with Rondina, a former MVP. Although adjusting from indoor to outdoor volleyball became a tough challenge for her, Gutierrez said herchemistry with Rondina, a former MVP, had been fortified through the oneyear training she took under Doloiras. “The lapses are inevitable and I cannot say that our tandem is perfect but our connection is there and working,” Gutierrez said. Playing for the Golden Tigresses was a dream come true, but it also was her biggest downfall as she saw little to no playing time in her two years of stay. But with the help of Doloiras and long-time UST beach volleyball coach Emil Lontoc, Gutierrez recovered from her biggest frustrations and ended up playing for the beach volleyball squad. Doloiras said Gutierrez’ wavering mental strength was her weakness especially when she was still playing in theindoor league.
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Shuttlers
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volleyball program because we do not always recruit players with the whole package. We always take pride of breeding our own,” he said. In the past, though, other teams lured homegrown UST talents. Among them were UAAP three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez, Aeriel Patnongon and Therese and Pauline Gaston who all chose to play for the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles. Kim Fajardo, Audrey Ching and Gyra Barroga decided to be part of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers while Jaja and Dindin Santiago turned the National University Lady Bulldogs into perennial contenders. “We always say that it is okay for them to leave but deep inside we bleed.” Reyes said. CARLO A.
The Golden Shuttlers’ four titles were from their two backto-back titles in 2004 and 2005 against Far Eastern University and in 2009 and 2010 against Dela Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively. The Lady Shuttlers claimed their lone championship against FEU. “Back then, the players take it upon themselves to do more than what we do in training,” Cajefe said. “Nowadays, you have to order the players to do the extra work.” Cajefe also took note of how new sports programs may have “spoiled” players. “Back then, the players would shrug off any pain they feel and continue to play,” he said. “It’s the attitude of the players that counts inside the court. No one, not even the coach, can teach that.” IVAN RUIZ L. SUING
Trees
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a permit to cut 231 trees and earthball 955 trees along the stretch of Lacson, allowing the DPWH and the Metro Manila Development Authority to proceed with the flyover project. However, the tree-cutting might run afoul of programs such as the National Greening Program of the DENR. The greening program aims to plant 1.5 million trees nationwide within the span of six years, from 2011-2016. DAN ALBERT D. BESINAL and JULIUS ROMAN M. TOLOP
CASINGCASING
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Gutierrez
“She really wanted to win and that is something that she and the team have been holding onto. She is willing to take back the crown this Season 79,” the new tactician said.
Before leaving indoor volleyball, the 20-year-old Behavioral Science student savored her last chance when she played in the 13th Shakey’s V-League. JAN CARLO ANOLIN
warned, and will cause what he metaphorically described as the “gates of hell.” In 2013, Garcia alerted the public to the flyover project in his letter to the government opposing the cutting down of 365 mature trees on Lacson Street. Garcia hopes his appeal will be given consideration by the authorities anew. In February 2015, the