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The ¿ªÔªÕæÈË(¿ªÔªÕæÈË) Green and Lady Woodpushers delivered commanding performances to secure double podium finishes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Blitz Chess Tournament yesterday, April 5, at the Adamson University Gym.

¿ªÔªÕæÈË(¿ªÔªÕæÈË) Lady Woodpushers

The ¿ªÔªÕæÈË Lady Woodpushers faced two critical matchups in the UAAP Season 87 Blitz Chess Tournament Finals. In the opening round, La Salle’s Women’s Chess Team suffered a 1.0–3.0 setback against the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Women’s Chess Team.

Women’s National Master Francois Magpily took on UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Lexie Hernandez, which ended in the latter securing the first point for the Blue Eagles with a 1.0–3.0 scoreline. Rinoa Sadey followed with a loss to Ma. Elayza Villa, as the latter gave Ateneo a 2–0 lead after another similar 1.0–3.0 result in Board 2. Checy Telesforo kept La Salle in contention by outsmarting Ateneo skipper Kristine Flores in a 2.5–1.5 victory. On the final board, Arena Grandmaster Sara Olendo and Alphecca Gonzales fought to a tightly contested 2.0–2.0 draw, but the deadlock favored Ateneo, who edged out La Salle in team-ties to advance to the gold medal match against FEU.

Despite the inital loss, the team rebounded in their subsequent match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Female Woodpushers, edging out a 2.5–1.5 win through calculated plays and key victories on the top boards, which proved enough to secure their place on the podium.

True to form, the Lady Woodpushers once again secured individual accolades in the Blitz Chess Tournament. Magpily led the charge on Board 1, showcasing the same commanding presence she had maintained throughout both the Blitz and Rapid Chess tournaments. Her stellar performance earned her the Board 1 Gold after anchoring La Salle’s momentum during their finals match-ups. Olendo followed with a strong showing on Board 5, clinching the Silver medal after a string of key victories. Meanwhile, Sadey and Telesforo added to the team’s medal haul with Bronze finishes on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.

¿ªÔªÕæÈË(¿ªÔªÕæÈË) Green Woodpushers

The ¿ªÔªÕæÈË Green Woodpushers also faced two crucial matchups in the Blitz Chess Tournament Finals yesterday. In their opening match, La Salle’s Men’s Chess Team initially fell to the Far Eastern University (FEU) squad with a 1.0–3.0 result after all boards concluded.

On Board 1, Angele Biete was paired against FEU’s FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo in a high-stakes clash of opening prep and midgame sharpness. Over on Board 2, Cyril Telesforo squared off with FIDE Master John Jacutina in another tactical duel. Arena International Master Jester Sistoza, manning Board 3, went up against Dale Bernardo, and two engaged in a tense positional battle. Meanwhile, John Valencia faced Christian Olaybal on Board 4, where both players tested each other’s endgame technique.

Despite their loss to FEU, the team remained undeterred, as the team in green regrouped and delivered a decisive 3.0–1.0 victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) Men’s Chess Team later that day to secure the final spot on the podium.

The Green Woodpushers also contributed to La Salle’s medal haul following their Finals match-ups. Mirroring his sister’s success, Telesforo earned the Bronze on Board 2. Meanwhile, John Valencia and Evan Ong followed suit, each securing Bronze medals for their strong performances on Boards 4 and 5, respectively.

With the recent addition of chess tournaments to the UAAP and a string of podium finishes in the past weeks, the ¿ªÔªÕæÈË Green and Lady Woodpushers are weaving a story of resilience and ambition. Each move, each victory builds the foundation of a grand comeback, one that seeks to reaffirm their rightful place among the finest chess players in the country. Fueled by the lessons of last year’s chess tournament, the team’s journey has become a powerful testament to relentless determination. Each game they play is a battle that pushes them ever closer to their ultimate goal — the championship — a prize now tantalizingly within their reach.