20/10/2025
NU Women Rule the Boards as Girls Rise to Second in UAAP Season 88 Chess 👑
By: Irish Llanera
National University checked off its final boards in the UAAP Season 88 Chess Tournament with a double-podium finish. The NU Lady Bulldogs earned the Women’s Chess Champions, and the NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups claimed silver in the Girls’ Division, improving from last year’s bronze medal performance at Adamson University Gym, October 19.
In the Women’s Division, the Lady Bulldogs sealed the crown with a 2.5-1.5 victory over the UST Lady Woodpushers in Round 14. WFM Allanney Jia Doroy delivered a decisive win on Board 1, closing her UAAP journey as the Most Valuable Player in her final playing year. Alongside her, Jersey Marticio displayed remarkable composure and consistency throughout the season, earning the title of Rookie of the Year. Kyla Deloso Dalagan and Jelaine Adriano each earned crucial half-points to complete the team’s winning tally. The Lady Bulldogs’ strong showing brought their total to 21 match points (31.5 game-points), surpassing DLSU and reclaiming the crown they last held in Season 84, when Doroy was still a rookie.
In the Girls’ Division, the NU Lady Bullpups finished their campaign with a 1-3 result against the UST Junior Lady Woodpushers, but their earlier wins secured them 16 match points (29 game-points) and a silver medal overall. Kayla Lorraine Aurelio delivered the lone victory in the final round, converting a tense endgame to cap her strong season performance. Team leader Sara Dalagan and second-board player Ryien Bahita both showcased resilience throughout the tournament, anchoring NU’s board strength with crucial wins in earlier rounds, while Yaneah Sofia Morada provided steady support on the remaining boards. Their collective effort marked a significant leap from last year’s bronze finish, underlining the program’s steady rise.
As the final rounds concluded, the UAAP Season 88 Chess Awarding Ceremony celebrated NU’s victorious win in both podiums, with the Lady Bulldogs earning the university’s first championship of the season and the Lady Bullpups securing their best finish yet.
“Sa last playing year ko, which is ngayong season, nakuha ko yung MVP, golden sa individual, tsaka nag-champion pa ‘yung team, kaya very thankful po talaga ako,” shared Doroy, reflecting on her final UAAP season that ended in both personal and team triumphs.
Head coach Jose “Jojo” Aquino expressed heartfelt pride in his players’ perseverance throughout the campaign: “We’re very much happy for this season. Dahil actually, we don't [really] expect this. Kasi, malalakas ang kalaban. Okay? Malalakas. And they have a very solid lineup compared to us. Although we have two solid players on board 1 and 2. And the only thing [that] happened, it was... naging consistent ang dalawang players natin.”
“Chess is not a one-man team. Hindi mananalo eh. Hindi mag-champion pag isang tao lang. Buti na lang andyan si Jersey, nakatulong talaga. And I call them, yung both players, si Jia Doroy and Jersey Marticio, I call them Batman and Robin,” he added, referring to their veteran–rookie synergy on the boards.
As the boards were cleared at Adamson University Gym, NU’s dual success in both divisions reflected a powerful statement: the Lady Bulldogs and Lady Bullpups are shaping a dynasty; one move, one match, and one title at a time.
Photos by: Michaella Frias