MANILA – Khrizzie Pabulayan kicked off University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses’ five-peat bid by taking a gold medal in the UAAP women’s judo at the Enrique Razon Sports Complex.
The Bacolod City native captured her fourth overall UAAP gold by defeating fellow Thomasian Rhodesa Mae Bayas in the championship match in half lightweight category on Saturday.
Prior to the final round, the former EB Magalona National High School student had to survive a tough semifinal match with University of the East Lady Warriors’ Claudine Nargatan.
“Ngayong season, mas pinursige ko pa sarili ko para mapaigting pa iyong technique ko pati iyong fighting spirit ko. Kasi iyong mga kalaban namin, pinag-aaralan na kami. Kailangan alam na alam namin iyong game plan namin,” said Pabulayan.
Her gold medal feat along with her teammates’ four silver and two bronze medals were more than enough for the Golden Tigresses to have a slim 21-16 lead over the Lady Warriors after the opening day.
The UST Growling Tigers, which tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 81, also had a good showing in the men’s category by immediately capturing three gold medals.
Mitchell Salcedo, George Kim and Dither Tablan ruled over the middleweight, half heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, respectively, to give the Growling Tigers a strong first-day performance./PN
