UST ruled nine of the 28 sports disciplines contested in the seniors division while placing second in seven events to amass a total of 321 points to register its 10th straight general championship in the division.

Far Eastern University took second with 240 points.

The Tamaraws won 10 events to beat University of the Philippines, last year’s runner-up, by one point. UP had 239 points.

The Tigers’ titular exploits in the first semester, where they took 154 points and a 37-point lead over the Tamaraws, provided the spark and the momentum for their second semester campaign which saw the España-based athletes bagging the titles in women’s badminton, men’s fencing, men’s and women’s lawn tennis and men’s volleyball while emerging runners-up in men’s and women’s athletics and baseball.

In the juniors, UST completed a back-to-back quest for the general championship by scoring a total of 90 points.

Ateneo De Manila and University of the East placed second and third, respectively, with 83 and 81 points.

The juniors’ triumph marked UST’s 10th crown in the division.

Felicitas Francisco, UST’s representative to the UAAP board, commended the athletes, coaches and administrators of the school for winning anew the overall championship.

"Without the cooperation of the players the coaches and officials of UST, surely we won’t be able to retain the title. I want to congratulate them for a job well done," said Francisco, who celebrated her 70th birthday yesterday.

She also said that the victory was a nice gift for her birthday.

"Kasing tanda ko na pala ang UAAP," said Francisco jokingly. "This feat (overall championship) is a nice gift."

Asked about the secret of UST’s impressive sports program that has set the standards for the past years, the UAAP secretary-treasurer said: "It’s the athletes’ love, commitment and loyalty to the University."

The Tamaraws, despite placing fouth at the end of the first semester, were able to surge up in the standings owing to their podium finishes in men’s and women’s athletics, men’s and women’s football and women’s volleyball on top of maiden run in men’s volleyball.

The awarding ceremony for the just-ended season will be held at UST’s Plaza Mayor on Saturday at 6 p.m.

According to Francisco, they will fete 35 Most Valuable Player awardees, 95 International competitors and Athlete of the Year awardees for both the senior and junior divisions.

Also to be given recognition are the "Athletic Scholars" of the eight participating universities.

The event, which will be covered by ABS-CBN, will be attended by all the presidents of the schools and all the board representatives of the UAAP.

The program will also see the turnover of duties of UAAP president and UST’s Fr. Ermito De Sagon, O.P. to UP Chancellor Sergio Cao.