The UST Male Woodpushers dominated the chessboard once again, clinching their 11th overall trophy and fourth straight title in the UAAP Season 87 men’s chess tournament.

UST completed their Season 87 odyssey with a 2-2 draw against the UP Fighting Maroons at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday, November 19, after already sealing the championship with a dominant victory against Adamson University, 3.5-0.5, last Nov. 17, in the same venue.

The Male Woodpushers outclassed the competition from start to finish, seizing the top spot with a commanding performance of eight victories, one stalemate, and a single loss, amassing 17 match points and 35.5 game points.

"Sa sobrang saya ko, magba-Baguio kami. Medyo may gastos ako dun syempre. Hindi pa namin kasi siya nailalapit sa UST, natuwa lang din ako sa mga bata na ginawa pa rin nila yung best nila kahit nga nagkaroon kami ng talo nung una," shared UST Head Coach, Ronald Dableo.

UST suffered their only defeat after getting stunned in Round 2 by De La Salle University, 1.5-2.5.

"Di talaga namin ineexpect yun kasi ang ineexpect naming contender is yung FEU kasi puro sila mga titled players. Kaya nung tinalo kami nung La Salle, sobrang nagulat kami,” Dableo explained, reflecting on what transpired during the season.

“Buti na lang, mga beterano na rin sa UAAP yung mga players ko. Natural na lang sa kanila yung matalo tapos babalik,” he added.

UST’s FIDE Master, Mark Daluz propelled their title defense campaign and was hailed the Most Valuable Player as he remained unconquered for the whole season.

"Masaya ako sa MVP kasi pinagpaguran ko talaga yun. Pinaghandaan ko talaga yung season na to. Last year, goal ko na rin talaga yung MVP kaso ganun talaga, hindi para sakin eh. Ngayon nagprepare talaga ko para makuha ko yung MVP," he said.

Woodpusher Chester Reyes bagged the gold medal in 36 moves after forcing a stalemate against UP’s FIDE Master Christian Pangilinan in Board 1.

UST’s Jan Clifford Labog concluded his Season 87 journey by securing the gold medal after settling for a draw with Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco in Board 2.

In Board 3, Woodpusher Lee Palma grabbed the gold medal in 42 moves after a stalemate with Arena International Master Roderenz Adra.

Season 86 and Season 85 MVPs Melito Oscan Jr. and Julius Gonzales concluded their collegiate careers with a bang after adding new gold medals to their collection. Gonzales settled for a draw with Francis Magpily on Board 4.

Oscan Jr. and Gonzales are both set to graduate this school year.

Lady Woodpushers end UAAP campaign in sixth

Meanwhile, the UST Lady Woodpushers yielded to the third-placers NU Lady Bulldogs, 1.5-2.5, finishing sixth place for two consecutive time.

The Lady Woodpushers struggled throughout the season, ending their campaign with a 2-7-3 win-draw-loss record, mirroring their Season 86 campaign, securing 11 match points and 18 game points.

Lady Woodpushers’ team captain, Josemier Panol, caved in against NU’s Allaney Doroy in Board 1.

UST’s Precious Yecla ended her Season 87 journey with a draw against Yana De Vera in Board 2 using 58 moves.

Faith Tabungar failed to secure another win for UST as NU’s Natasja Balabbo dominated the third board in just 26 moves.

Princes Oncita was the sole winner for the the España-based squad, seizing Board 4 as she drubbed Princess Ballete in 31 moves.