By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Following a guaranteed triple-gold finish of the teams, bronze medalists Far Eastern University (FEU) Woodpushers accomplished a podium comeback while champions Lady Woodpushers made history in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 chess championships yesterday, November 19, at the Adamson University SV Gym in Manila City.

The Woodpushers' last UAAP medal was a silver finish in Season 85.

Before the final day, FEU placed in the fourth spot of the men’s division with 10.0 match points (20.5 board points) behind De La Salle University (DLSU)’s 11.0 match points (19.0 board points).

Fortunately, the green-and-gold squad defeated the green-and-white team in their match yesterday, 3.0-1.0, to claim the second runners-up spot and kick DLSU out of the podium.

Grabbing a total of four medals, Morayta-based athletes MJ Bacojo, Christian Marcelo Olaybal, and Istraelito Rilloraza bagged medals in Boards 1, 5, and 6, respectively. John Merill Jacutina then claimed the Board 3 bronze to complete the tally.

Bacojo also won the Rookie of the Year award.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the freshman expressed happiness in having the special recognition and leading the team’s podium return.

“I feel very proud and honored, especially ‘di po nakapag-podium finish last season,” Bacojo said.

Meanwhile, back-to-back champions Lady Woodpushers proved their dominance as they all claimed gold medals from Boards 1 to 6, a feat that has never been done before in the UAAP.

Mhage Sebastian was also hailed Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the women’s division.

Sebastian recounted the team’s solidarity and thanked the coaches and other members for their support toward reaching the achievement.

“Lagi naming sinasabi sa mga sarili namin na kaya namin ‘to, na magtiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa. ‘Yung pressure, hindi lang namin individually ite-take, but [as a] group… Very thankful po kami not just with the lineup, but with the whole FEU chess team together with the coaches na gina-guide kami through the process (We always tell ourselves na we can do this, that we should just trust each other. The pressure, we do not just take individually, but as a group… We’re very thankful not just with the lineup, but with the whole FEU chess team together with the coaches who guide us through the process),” the MVP shared.

In total, the green-and-gold college chessers notched ten board medals and two individual awards. 

Meanwhile, the high school teams had a tally of nine gold and three gold medals as well as three special recognitions.

Looking at his players’ success, Morayta-based head coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales spoke with pride, highlighting the mix of talent and hard work.

“We are all believers that hard work, training, [and] giving all our best is the key para maging magaling and mag-champion. We don’t stop training. [Being] an athlete is a tough task [but] they are very special,” he stated.

University of Santo Tomas were proclaimed men’s champions followed by the University of the Philippines.

In the women’s division, DLSU and National University filled the remaining spots in the podium.

The FEU chess team's podium finishes marked the University's first medals in UAAP Season 87.

(Photo by Thea Danielle Morin/FEU Advocate)