Reforging the Blade’s Edge: The Green Fencers Aim for Glory in UAAP S86

After enduring a podium absence in the previous season, the fiercely committed men’s fencing squad of the De La Salle University (DLSU), the Green Fencers, has diligently refined their abilities and strengthened their determination. With an unwavering aspiration to reclaim their former glory, they are prepared to reignite their dominance in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86.

Season 85’s disappointment lit a fire within the Green Fencers, igniting their drive for redemption. Newly appointed Team Captain, Marion Gamilla, voiced his frustration over the previous season’s results.

“Last season was, to be honest, a bit disappointing. When I got into La Salle, first-year ako, we always had this podium finish. Last year, we didn’t get any podium finish. It was a bit disappointing, to say the least,” he emphasized.

Zeroing in on Team Vulnerabilities

The team captain mentioned that one of their vulnerabilities that attributed to their setback was their team chemistry, stating, “I think one weakness is team chemistry.”

Furthermore, the team’s struggle to adapt to a constrained training environment amid the pandemic exacerbated their challenges. “We didn’t really have that in-person interaction. We only had from September to February, only having a couple of months to build our chemistry,” the Team Captain emphasized.

The restricted timeframe, compounded by the absence of face-to-face communication, hindered their ability to foster the necessary camaraderie and synergy essential for success in the competition.

Drawing on Insights from Off-Season Tournaments

The team bolstered their preparation by actively participating in off-tournament competitions, strategically honing their skills for the imminent UAAP campaign. As they ventured into these competitive arenas outside the UAAP circuit, they embraced each opportunity as a chance to refine their techniques, test their strategies, and solidify their team dynamics.

“We joined a lot of competitions throughout the year. A lot of us joined competitions a month after the UAAP last year. National Opens [Fencing Competition] agad kami. We continued that. Some of us, at the least, nakalaro ng 5 or 6 competitions throughout the year,” Gamilla stated.

Their readiness for this season can be credited to their exposure and conditioning gained following the conclusion of last year’s UAAP tournament.

“We looked into our strength and conditioning since maraming competitions kaming nasalihan, and coming from the pandemic, we need[ed] a lot of improvement. We needed a lot of exposure. Not just training within the school lang,” Gamilla mentioned, also stating that it was a lot of improvement compared to last year.

Navigating the Captaincy Anew

As the newly appointed team captain for the squad, Marion Gamilla shoulders the responsibility of leading the team. However, this isn’t his first time in a captaincy role. The departure of key players like Darylle Lumahan, a former national team member, left a void in the team’s inspiration. But Gamilla’s arrival in the leadership role saw no significant issues arise, as the foundation of the team had already been established at that point by the former team captain, John Michael Gajon.

“The former team captain really built the discipline and culture. It’s more manageable on my part kahit I didn’t have any experience prior, ‘tas naging team captain. So that helped a lot din na ‘di nagbibigay ng any problem yung rookies and members,” he stated.

Moreover, the captain’s guidance extends beyond fencing. Emphasizing the importance of team chemistry, he expressed his intention to cultivate relationships within the team, envisioning them not only as athletes but also as friends united in their pursuit of success.

“I don’t want our interactions to be [as] teammates lang. So, I try to improve that na mag-tropa tayo, friends tayo.”

Captain’s Message & Expectations for UAAP S86

The captain’s unwavering faith in the team shines through unmistakably. He urges the team to persevere with unwavering determination.

“I know na it’s been a long year, a long preparation, but, we have to remember na we reap what we sow.”

Looking towards the future, Gamilla and the team assure fans that they can expect nothing less than their utmost effort, promising an electrifying showcase of resilience with every match they play.

“We’re gonna try to make it to the podium this season. We’re gonna do our best and try to give glory to the DLSU community,” he stated.

Witness the DLSU Green Fencers in action as they sharpen off their swords in the UAAP Season 86 from March 14 to March 17 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Their match schedules are as follows:

March 14, 9 AM — Men’s Sabre Individual

March 14, 1 PM — Men’s Épée Individual

March 15, 1 PM — Men’s Foil Individual

March 16, 9 AM— Men’s Sabre Team

March 16, 1 PM— Men’s Épée Team

March 17, 1 PM— Men’s Foil Team