De La Salle University, behind MVP Rinna Babanto and Rookie of the Year winner Patrick Perez, reclaimed the UAAP poomsae championship. Handout photo
MANILA, Philippines – Rinna Babanto powered De La Salle University to its second title in three years on Tuesday night, in the UAAP Season 81 poomsae tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Babanto capped her collegiate career in spectacular fashion, winning the gold in the individual female and mixed pair events, helping the Green Jins bring the crown back to Taft.
A former world champion, Babanto tallied 8.180 to best her fellow Asian Games bronze medalists, Nikki Oliva of University of the Philippines (8.100) and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo of Far Eastern University (7.900).
Babanto then teamed up with Patrick Perez in annexing the mixed pair gold with 8.235, topping University of Santo Tomas' Jerel Dalida and Cyrinne Abenir (8.200) and UP's Jayboy Buenavista and Pat Jubelag (8.015).
La Salle completed a gold medal sweep of individual events courtesy of Perez, who emerged victorious in the men's category with 8.305. UST's Adrian Ang bagged the silver with 8.150 while National University's Kier Macalino took the bronze with 8.035.
Babanto wrapped up her UAAP career by winning Most Valuable Player honors, while Perez bagged the Rookie of the Year plum.
"Hindi ko po ito ine-expect," said Babanto, who believes that La Salle's poomsae program is in good hands with Perez.
"He is very passionate and hardworking person I know. Sobrang gustong-gusto niya na magkapag-contribute sa team. I believe in him 100 percent in the next competition. I expect more medals," said Babanto on Perez.
The Growling Tigers, last season's champion who topped the team male event, finished second with 1-3-0 medal haul, while the Fighting Maroons, who ruled the team female category, captured third spot (1-1-2).
In juniors taekwondo, UST bested University of the East and National University to remain in the throne.
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