The University of the East (UE) defended all its titles in both the juniors and seniors divisions, making a historic number of “peats” in fencing at the 77th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) held recently at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Human Kinetics Gym.
Nathaniel Perez, who recently ranked 21st in the Asian Fencing Championships and 9th in the Asian Games, successfully bagged the gold medal in the individual men’s foil event and a bronze medal in the individual men’s epee.
He also helped secure a gold medal in the Men’s Foil team, epee team and sabre team events.
Additionally, he earned the Most Valuable Player award, his fourth, alongside teammate Justine Gail Tinio, who took home three gold medals and a silver medal.
The UE girls’ fencing team is now on its fourth straight championship title, the boys’ team on its fifth, the men’s team on its third, and the women’s team on its eighth, making a grand slam sweep in the tourney.
Laine Nicole Cortey was named Rookie of the Year after bagging the gold medal in the individual women’s sabre, sweeping other senior contenders.
Armstrong Tibay from UP was Rookie of the Year in the men’s division.