By Aimerose C. Atienza

Despite exhibiting good performances, Far Eastern University (FEU) Jins and Lady Jins failed to secure podium finishes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 Poomsae tournament last May 31 at the Coral Way of the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

FEU clinched its highest rank in the Individual Female category represented by Maria Eloisa Biasaga who landed in fifth place. The event was won by National University Lady Bulldog Laeia Simoune Soria with 8.47 markers. 

The Lady Jins also placed fifth in the Team Female category with the performance of Biasaga, Christine Joyce Nudo, and Angela Reigh Tibudan. It was the trio of Aidaine Krishia Laxa, Chelsea Xen Tacay, and Stella Nicole Yape of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Jins who produced 8.515 points to emerge as the champions for the said category.

Moreover, the tandem of FEU Jin Nick Lemuel Pascua and Lady Jin Tibudan finished sixth place in the Mixed Pair category. UST’s Justin Kobe Macario and Jade Ashley Carno got the top podium finish with 8.665 markers. 

FEU Jin Yogen Anthony Ravelo also placed sixth in the Individual Male event wherein De La Salle University Jin Patrick King Perez bagged the gold medal with 8.55 points.

Ravelo mentioned that despite being coached by the Philippine national team athlete, Head Coach Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, they still struggled because of the given timeframe of the UAAP.

“One of our struggles is the time frame of UAAP is under finals week. It is so hard for us to balance the demand in academics and training, some of us sleep around 3 AM to finish schoolwork and need to get up by 6 AM to train,” he said.

FEU also fell short with the number of qualified athletes for this season. 

Ravelo added, “Our qualified athletes for this season are five, it must be eight athletes but due to unforeseen circumstances only five athletes made it into the competition.” 

With the UAAP slowly going back to normal, the team looks to have better performances to land higher placements in the following seasons of the collegiate league.

“Currently, we’re planning on how we should prepare for the next season,” Ravelo ended.

(Photo by Mark Christian Cascayan/FEU Advocate)