UNIVERSITY of Baguio is on course for an over-all title in the 30th season of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League by topping the judo contest at the PMA Jurado Hall recently.
The Cardinals, after dominating the arnis competition, came up with another impressive performance in judo grabbing eight gold medals, three silvers and three bronze each.
Fred Aclopen started the onslaught for the Cardinals after bagging the gold medal in the 60 kg event together with Brandean Binua (66kg) Ezra Tawana (90kg) and Jared Chakas (+100kg). The women’s side saw Mylene Pinkihan (-45kg) Avarie Vicente (-48kg) Jazlen Awitan (-52kg) and Casandra Nabus (+78kg) throwing their weight in the different categories to bag the gold in their respective class.
University of the Cordilleras meanwhile snatched second place after winning four gold medals courtesy of Mark Edward Sidayao(-55kg) Juydleen Fetalan (57kg), Shalimar Masong (-70kg) and Yamani Caberinto (-78kg) while bagging five more silver and four bronze.
Cordillera Career Development College sneaked into the top three with its 2-4-2 medal haul courtesy of its gold medalists Ronnie Carpio (-73kg) and Regina Kitayan(63kg).
Saint Louis University placed fourth after snatching two gold medals courtesy of Francis Baladad( -81kg) and Joshua Greeco Genove (-100kg)
Philippine Military Academy meanwhile bagged five bronze medals courtesy of Rafaelle Carreon, Sylas Guimbongan, Bill Dimzon, Romaselle Alquino, and Mary Rose Alda.
With its key victories in arnis earlier this year, The Cardinals are poised to take home the over-all crown in the BBEAL. UB topped the team standings after the first phase of competition by winning swimming, table tennis, men's wushu, men's badminton, women's archery, men's chess, and women's basketball.
Other participating schools in the largest collegiate league in Northern Luzon include season host Kings College of the Philippines, Baguio Central University, Baguio College of Technology, Pines City Colleges, and University of the Philippines–Baguio. (Roderick Osis)