Ateneo de Manila University is set to field two one-and-done recruits for UAAP Season 89.

Aside from Travis Roberts, EJ Kapihe will also suit up for the Blue Eagles as a master’s student-athlete.

The 6-foot-6 forward has already been listed in Ateneo’s lineup for the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

Kapihe, who graduated with a degree in Business Economics from the College of Wooster, spent four years with the NCAA Division III program.

(C) EJ Kapihe

During his stint there, he averaged 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. In his senior year, he posted averages of 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per outing.

He also saw action for Fil-Am Sports in the Global Hoops Tournament.

The rest of Ateneo’s lineup includes Logan Baltazar, Kieffer Alas, Kyle Gamber, Andrew Bongo, Michael Asoro, Ian Espinosa, Jared Bahay, Shawn Tuano, Matthew De Luna, Jay-M Leal, Grayson Rodgers, Divine Edili, Waki Espina, Alden Cainglet, Malcolm Tyler, Sam Reyes, Rene Baterbonia, and Sultan Baruwa.

The Blue Eagles open their Preseason Cup campaign against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday.

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Athletes of the Year Mae Langga of Adamson University and Charles Lobitaña of the University of the Philippines, along with high school standouts Cabs Cabonilas of Far Eastern University–Diliman and Rhian Perez of the University of Santo Tomas, headlined a glittering night of recognition as the UAAP Season 88 formally closed on Friday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in España, Manila.

Blu Girls standout Langga of 13-peat softball champions Adamson University and Lobitaña, captain of the 20-time men’s football titleholders University of the Philippines, were named top student-athletes for team sports in the collegiate division after spearheading historic campaigns for their squads.

In the high school division, Cabonilas of Far Eastern University–Diliman and Rhian Perez of University of Santo Tomas were honored as Athletes of the Year for team sports, anchoring their respective schools’ strong seasons.

In individual sports, the honors went to four-time MVP Queen Dalmacio of the University of the East women’s fencing team and WGM-candidate Ruelle Canino of FEU–Diliman, both of whom delivered standout performances on the national and collegiate stage.

The rest of the MVPs and Rookies of the Year were likewise recognized, alongside the Athlete-Scholars—student-athletes who excelled both in academics and sports.

In the collegiate division, the Athlete Scholars were Christine Guergio (Adamson athletics), Mikella Tolentino (Ateneo de Manila University football), Angel Laude (De La Salle University table tennis), Glysen Derotas (FEU chess), Jessica Carcueva (National University tennis), Shawn Felipe (UE fencing), Jufe-Ann Cocoy (UP tennis), and Kent Pastrana (UST basketball).

In the high school division, honorees included Troy Sambilad (Adamson football), Trixie Ortiguera (Ateneo swimming), Pi Durden Wangkay (DLSZ athletics), Canino (FEU–D chess), Sarah Dalagan (NUNS basketball), Yuna Canlas (UE fencing), Liv Florendo (UPIS swimming), and Zkeana Valdez (UST judo).

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

A season defined by strength in motion and hope in action came to a fitting close as outgoing host University of Santo Tomas staged a grand and ceremonial closing rites, marking the end of a campaign that celebrated excellence, honor, and unity from start to finish.

“From the thunder of the arenas to the millions watching across streams, we didn’t just witness games; we witnessed heart, pride, and the unbreakable spirit of the UAAP. Every cheer, every hard-fought game brought our theme to life. This is more than just a slogan, it became our mantra. We saw strength in every athlete who pushed beyond limits, who rose after every fall, and who fought until the very end,” shared UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Ph.D.

Outgoing host University of Santo Tomas capped its season-long dominance with a ninth straight double overall championship, extending its record to 49 collegiate titles and securing its 25th crown in the high school division. The campaign was highlighted by sweeps in judo and a first-ever title in beach volleyball.

UST amassed 356 points and secured 10 championships, including a sixth straight men’s table tennis title, a five-peat in men’s standard chess, the inaugural chess blitz crown, a fifth men’s tennis championship in seven seasons, a second women’s basketball title in three years, and a season-ending women’s 3×3 title, alongside doubles wins in judo and beach volleyball.

UST High School, meanwhile, dominated the high school division with 327 points, powered by doubles titles in judo and beach volleyball, championships in both table tennis and swimming divisions, and crowns in girls’ basketball, boys’ athletics, and girls’ athletics.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

At the end of the night, Fr. Ang formally passed the UAAP flag and hosting responsibilities to Far Eastern University, represented by its president Juan Miguel R. Montinola.

“The mantra of the UAAP is education, including sports and sportsmanship and fair competition. We are happy to note that all eight schools achieved their championships across the 60 events in the UAAP. This is a manifestation of the good competition and fair play,” Montinola said in his acceptance speech.

Season 89 will open on September 12, 2026, ushering in a new chapter for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with the theme, “For Everyone, UAAP.”

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TAGAYTAY – From the opening drive to the final putt, De La Salle University turned the inaugural UAAP Season 88 Golf Tournament into a week-long showcase of championship culture, depth, and dominance, sweeping all four titles in resounding fashion at Tagaytay Midlands here on Thursday.

Backed by a program built on discipline, continuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the Green Archers and Lady Archers lived up to the immense pre-tournament hype and perhaps even exceeded it, capturing the men’s and women’s individual championships as well as both team crowns in a masterclass that could spark a new era for golf as a demonstration sport in the UAAP calendar.

But while La Salle stood tallest on the podium, the rest of the field left Tagaytay with a growing fire of their own. University of the Philippines, Ateneo, UST, and Adamson vowed to rebuild early, sharpen their lineups, and strike back next season after witnessing firsthand the level required to compete with the Green Archers’ powerhouse program.

Leading La Salle’s charge was Perry Bucay, who shrugged off an early surge by UP’s Joshua Buenaventura before regaining control midway through the final round to complete a seven-stroke triumph in the men’s individual competition with a 74.

Buenaventura briefly ignited hopes of a dramatic comeback with two birdies against a bogey through the first four holes while Bucay stumbled with a bogey-double bogey stretch starting on No. 4. What had been a three-shot cushion suddenly became a one-shot deficit for the La Salle ace.

But champions respond under pressure, and Bucay did exactly that.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

He steadied himself with two birdies against a bogey over the next five holes for a 37 at the turn, while Buenaventura unraveled with back-to-back double bogeys from No. 8 for a 39. The momentum swing proved decisive.

Bucay calmly navigated the back nine with a 37 to finish with a two-over card and a four-day aggregate of five-over 293, sealing the victory and the gold medal.

Buenaventura settled for silver at 300 after a 78, while another La Salle standout, Zach Castro, secured bronze at 304 following an 81.

“It feels ecstatic. We’re all very happy to win the first-ever UAAP golf title,” said Bucay, his voice hoarse from cheering for his teammates.

“I just focused on staying steady. On the final day, a lot of players get tired, so I had to keep my stamina and focus. It’s draining not just physically, but mentally as well,” he added.

In the end, the grind was worth it as they made history in the event presented by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Wilson Philippines, and Akari.

“Hopefully, we can sustain this success. UAAP is different because it’s the highest collegiate sports organization, so the recognition and support are on another level,” Bucay said, while also crediting their stint in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tournament last year.

“We’re very grateful for the IIT because it prepared us well. There’s a lot that goes into getting a team ready for a week-long golf tournament, and having gone through that before helped us. We’re thankful for the resources and support from our school, and that definitely prepared us for this week.”

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

The women’s division produced another La Salle showcase as Julia Lua survived a fierce all-day duel with teammate Alexa Dacanay to complete a dominant 1-2 finish for the Lady Archers.

Lua delivered clutch birdies and pars down the stretch to rescue an 80 and finish with a 330 total, defeating Dacanay by four strokes after the latter, who tied Lua with seven holes to play, hobbled at the finish, fumbling with two bogeys and a double bogey on the last hole for an 83 and 334. Ateneo’s Monique Mendoza, who led in the first round, wound up third at 343 following an 88.

With Janine Yusay contributing a 105, La Salle amassed a final-round 268 and a four-day total of 1056 to storm to the women’s team championship by 21 shots over Ateneo, which finished with 1077 after a 274 behind rounds of 88 from Mendoza, and 92 and 94 from Simi Tinio and Andie Joson, respectively.

UP placed third at 1138 after a 283 built around Ava Heredia and Annika Gozum’s pair of 91s and Katrisse Datoc’s 101. UST and Adamson wound up fourth and fifth with 320-1289 and 365-1478, respectively.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

The La Salle men were every bit as imposing.

Jacob Cajita and Martin Lu backed Bucay’s 74 with 75 and 76, respectively, as the Green Archers closed with a 225 for an overwhelming 898 total – 30 strokes clear of UP’s 928.

Miggy Roque shot a 75 for the Fighting Maroons, while Buenaventura had a 78, and Emilio Carpio added an 83 in UP’s final-round 236.

Ateneo took third at 938 after a 234 behind Schmuel Tan’s 74, a 79 from Mich Romero, and an 81 from either Juan Escano and Glenn Unabia. UST and Adamson finished with 262-1005 and 367-1477, respectively.

Yet beyond the trophies and statistics, the tournament may ultimately be remembered for what it revealed about the future of collegiate golf.

La Salle’s commanding sweep underscored not just elite talent but the strength of a sports program capable of developing depth, composure, and championship mentality across multiple divisions. And with rival schools already plotting their revenge and promising heavier preparation for next season, the inaugural UAAP golf tournament may have just ignited the sport’s next great collegiate rivalry.

Meanwhile, host UST will hold a formal closing ceremony on Friday (May 15) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion starting at 4:30 p.m., with the main program set to begin at 6 p.m.

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