MANILA — The University of the East (UE) clinched the women’s division title in the UAAP Season 88 fencing tournament at the Makati Coliseum on Monday night, March 16, 2026, while standout fencer Queenie Dalmacio captured her fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
UE defeated De La Salle University 44–40 in the team epee final and overcame the University of Santo Tomas (UST) 46–42 in the team sabre showdown.
“It’s a mix of happiness and sadness. Happy because we reclaimed the championship, but sad because it’s my last season. I hope my teammates will continue to defend this title in future seasons,” said Dalmacio, who defeated Kim Shaznee Tuy in their sabre bout.
In the girls’ division, UE placed second behind UST. “They should keep training and never give up. I feel sorry for the girls, but I know they can reclaim the championship. They just have to keep fighting,” added Dalmacio.
UST’s Lia Gillana led her team to a 45–39 victory in the sabre team final over UE, with MVP Opao Cantantan spearheading the UE squad. “I’m overwhelmed because all the hard work paid off. Sometimes I travel two hours after school and still manage to complete my assignments. It’s been hectic, but worth it,” said Gillana, reflecting on UST’s first-ever title.
UE had already secured gold in the foil events the previous day, dominating the men’s and boys’ divisions. The triple-title performance also served as a fitting send-off for program head Amat Canlas in his final season with UE. “This dynasty started from nothing. Whoever succeeds me should continue nurturing it,” Canlas said, also acknowledging his role as national team coach.
Other results:
University of the Philippines (UP) finished second in the women’s division with three golds, one silver, and two bronze medals. Nana Carbonell won two golds in foil.
UST ranked third (0-2-2), followed by La Salle (0-2-1).
In the men’s division, La Salle placed second with a 1–2–3 record, followed by UP (1–2–2).
UE finished second in the girls’ division with a 3–1–3 record, while Ateneo made its first podium appearance with one silver and four bronze medals.
Guest team PAREF Southridge took runner-up in the boys’ division (1–0–2), followed by De La Salle Zobel (1–0–1).
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