Adamson ends Ateneo undefeated run in UAAP HS Basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Adamson Gym

8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UPIS (Boys)
10 a.m. - FEU-D vs AdU (Boys)
12 p.m. - UE vs DLSZ (Boys)
2 p.m. - UST vs NUNS (Boys)
4 p.m. - UST vs NUNS (Girls)

Jarl Artango and Chrys Gomez came through in the clutch as Adamson University stunned erstwhile-unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University, 77-73, to notch its third win in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Thursday morning at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Gomez sank a timely midrange jumper that pushed the Baby Falcons’ lead to 76-70 with 2:09 remaining, setting the stage for consecutive turnovers by the Blue Eagles. Artango then sealed the upset with a dagger free throw at the three-second mark.

Meanwhile, Cabs Cabonilas put on a dominant display, tallying 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks as Far Eastern University-Diliman cruised to its fourth straight win with a 79-61 dismantling of De La Salle Zobel.

The contrasting victories leave FEU-D sharing first place with Ateneo, both holding 5-1 records, while Adamson returned to the win column emphatically, improving to 3-3 in their penultimate first-round outing.

“The game plan today was to limit their import, kaya lang 27-27 pa rin ‘eh. Ang back-up plan lang namin was to try to limit their other players, we were able to do it naman. Offensively, sabi ko lang attack, attack, attack palagi,” Adamson head coach Mike Fermin said.

“This win comes with maturity talaga. We’re just pounding them and instilling in them na dapat every game or every training, you treat this like your last. Ang lagi lang namin iniisip, wala kami sa top four ngayon. ‘Yon nag-ffuel sa amin to be better,” he added.

Ateneo had clawed back from a 53-39 deficit to trail 61-58 heading into the fourth quarter. But the Baby Falcons opened the payoff period with a decisive 10-4 run — capped by a floater and two free throws from Artango — to restore a 71-62 lead with 6:13 left.

The Blue Eagles stayed within striking distance, as Jude Eriobu’s free throw, a Jay-M Leal layup, and a Noah Banal triple cut the gap to 76-73 with 2:12 left. Adamson, however, leaned on its defensive identity in the endgame to deny Ateneo any further comeback.

After Banal and Leal missed separate three-point attempts, Artango stole the ball from Ziv Espinas, and Noah Bautista followed with a pickpocket against Banal, keeping the pressure on. Ateneo resorted to fouling, with Artango sinking his first free throw before intentionally missing the second to prevent the Blue Eagles from gaining another clear shot from beyond the arc.

Artango finished with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Gomez contributed 13 points, five steals, two rebounds, and one assist. Bautista added 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal, with Mac Jenodia and Fran Flores chipping in eight points each in the hard-fought victory.

For Ateneo, Eriobu led the way with 27 points, 27 rebounds, four blocks, and one steal, followed by Banal with 11 points, six rebounds, and one assist. Espinas added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Leal contributed nine points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block.

In the earlier game, De La Salle Zobel had erased an early 27-10 deficit to trail 41-33 at halftime, but FEU-D responded with a dominant third quarter. JB Cagurungan opened the second half with eight straight points before Cabonilas, Marc Burgos, and Khean Esperanza led a 22-4 run to stretch the Baby Tamaraws’ lead to 63-37.

That third-quarter surge proved decisive. A five-point spurt from Cabonilas, including a triple and putback, along with a Cagurungan three-pointer and Esperanza layup, kept the Junior Archers down 73-57 with 3:01 remaining.

“They made a run, pero I think we did our job defensively. Medyo nawalan lang ng discipline because we had a lead. Medyo nawalan kami ng discipline on shot attempts and selection. Nung third quarter, binalikan namin ‘yon na we have a good lead, kaya we cannot keep on shooting,” FEU-D head coach Mike Reyes said.

Burgos finished with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Cagurungan added 11 points on three triples, with five rebounds and one block. Esperanza contributed 10 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Pat Sohm rounded out FEU-D’s balanced attack with six points and three rebounds.

For DLSZ, Maco Dabao was limited to 16 points on 6-of-21 shooting but added six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. Nigerian center Yusuf Mikailu delivered a double-double with 11 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks, and one steal.

The Scores:

First Game:

FEU-D (79) - Cabonilas 21, Burgos 11, Cagurungan 11, Esperanza 10, Sohm 6, Raneses 4, Hall 4, Carino 4, Gaye 4, Alagaban 4, D. Santos 2, J. Santos 0, Enriquez 0, Dagcutan 0.

DLSZ (61) - Dabao 16, Mikailu 11, Favis 7, Arejola 5, Borrero 5, Ferrer 5, Atienza 4, Llamas 4, Luna 3, A. Alpapara 1, O. Alpapara 0, Reyes 0, Tan 0, Dimayuga 0.

Quarterscores: 21-10, 41-33, 63-41, 79-61.

Second Game:

AdU (77) - Artango 24, Gomez 13, Bautista 10, Jenodia 8, Flores 8, Frogoso 6, Iledan 4, Babad 3, Garcia 1.

Ateneo (73) - Eriobu 27, Banal 11, Espinas 11, Leal 9, Madrangca 5, Gatmaitan 4, Kaw 4, Kallos 2, Lacsamana 0, Reyes 0, Jazul 0.

Quarterscores: 22-26, 47-36, 61-58, 77-73.

La Salle-Zobel throttles Ateneo for solo third spot in UAAP Girls Basketball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Girls Basketball Tournament Standings
NUNS 2-0
UST 2-0
DLSZ 1-2
Ateneo 0-3

Games on Thursday at the Filoil Centre
9 a.m. -  FEU-D vs DLSZ (Boys)
11 a.m. - AdU vs Ateneo (Boys)
1 p.m. - NUNS vs UE (Boys)
3 p.m. - UST vs UPIS (Boys)

De La Salle Zobel reasserted its dominance over rival Ateneo de Manila University, 101-21, closing the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Girls’ Basketball Tournament on a high note Sunday afternoon at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Eager to bounce back from a two-game skid against University of Santo Tomas and National University Nazareth School, the Junior Lady Archers relied on the combined efforts of Apyang Dulay, Sofia Martinez, and Bing Padigos for a commanding 50-10 first-half performance that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Dulay finished with 18 points, nine steals, four rebounds, and one assist, while Martinez added 15 points, seven steals, five rebounds, and three assists, helping the Junior Lady Archers claim sole possession of third place in the four-team field and improve their record to 1-2.

“I think this is a big step for us dahil yung confidence ng mga bata, bumalik. Nung previous games kasi namin, 30 or 50 points yung lamang ng kalaban. Mas masarap maglaro pag ganitong version na ng La Salle yung lumalabas sa amin,” DLSZ head coach Louie Fernandez said.

The Junior Lady Archers, who have won all their encounters with the Blue Eagles since the inception of high school basketball in 2019, wasted no time dictating the tempo. They opened with a dominant 26-4 first quarter, and consecutive baskets by Ima Navarro and Ching Ching Gales closed the second quarter, giving DLSZ a commanding 50-10 halftime lead.

The story continued in the third quarter as a midrange jumper by Martinez, a Gales inside basket, and two consecutive Dulay layups extended DLSZ’s lead to 73-15 heading into the final period—an advantage Ateneo could not overcome.

Padigos contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, five steals, two assists, and one block, while Navarro added 13 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

Gales finished with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, six steals, and one assist, while Ice Gerona came one point shy of a double-double with nine points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

For Ateneo, Tyler Templo scored 14 of the Blue Eagles’ 21 points, along with five rebounds, four steals, and one block, as the team continues to search for its first-ever UAAP girls’ basketball win since the division was inaugurated in Season 82.

The Scores:

DLSZ (101) - Dulay 18, Martinez 15, Padigos 14, Navarro 13, Gales 10, Gerona 9, Winrar 8, Sanares 6, Contreras 4, Ogario 2, Cuaresma 2, Roque 0.  

Ateneo (21) - Templo 14, Ablang 4, Doque 2, Gozum 1, Molina 0, Ebao 0, Palmiery 0, Dalanon 0, Mariano 0, Vejerano 0, Trillo 0, Madamba 0.

Quarterscores: 26-6, 50-10, 73-15, 101-21.

Ateneo winning streak in HS Basketball extended to five

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament Standings
Ateneo 5-0
FEU-D 4-1
NUNS 3-2
DLSZ 3-2
UE 2-3
AdU 2-3
UST 1-4
UPIS 0-5

Boys Games on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre
9 a.m. -  FEU-D vs DLSZ
11 a.m. - AdU vs Ateneo
1 p.m. - NUNS vs UE
3 p.m. - UST vs UPIS

Jude Eriobu finished what Ziv Espinas started as Ateneo de Manila University extended the woes of defending champion University of Santo Tomas with a 100-88 victory to remain unbeaten through five games in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Sunday afternoon at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Espinas ignited the Blue Eagles’ spirited comeback late in the third quarter, before Eriobu took over down the stretch, scoring eight of Ateneo’s final 17 points to stretch their perfect run to five wins and hand the Tiger Cubs a fourth loss in five outings.

Meanwhile, Cabs Cabonilas and Pat Sohm powered Far Eastern University-Diliman to its third straight victory, leaning on a dominant fourth quarter to secure a 96-73 triumph over the University of the East.

With the contrasting results, Ateneo remained on top of the eight-team standings, still a game ahead of FEU-D, which improved to 4-1. UST stayed in seventh place with a 1-4 slate, while UE slipped to a share of sixth with Adamson University at 2-3.

“It was the players who really won the game today. As much as we prepared for this game, and I know we’re prepared, it was the players -- they really wanted to win,” Blue Eagles head coach Bacon Austria said. “Not to brag or anything, we knew what we really wanted to do, it was a matter of executing it down the stretch.”

A floater by LJ Lapastora gave UST an 80-72 cushion with 1:35 remaining in the third quarter, but Espinas sparked Ateneo’s decisive 16-2 run with nine points, turning the tide and giving the Blue Eagles a 78-72 lead with over seven minutes left.

The Tiger Cubs refused to fold as Jetlee Melano knocked down two free throws and Charles Esteban scored on a layup to cut the deficit to 83-81 with 5:41 remaining. However, EK Kaw drilled a timely triple before Eriobu showed nerves of steel in the closing minutes.

The 17-year-old Nigerian center scored eight straight points to restore a 92-86 cushion with 1:25 left, before Banal calmly converted four free throws to seal Ateneo’s hard-fought, come-from-behind win.

Eriobu finished with a dominant double-double of 28 points and 21 rebounds, along with one block and one assist. Banal added 25 points, three assists, two steals, and two rebounds, while Jay-M Leal chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Espinas narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, to go with two assists and one block.

JC Canapi led UST with 24 points, three steals, one rebound, and one assist, while Wacky Ludovice contributed 15 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block. Esteban tallied 13 points, four steals, three rebounds, and one assist, while Kirk Cañete added 12 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal.

In the other game, after Gab delos Reyes and Jolo Pascual hit back-to-back triples to knot the game at 61-all, graduating forward Marc Burgos scored six straight points before Sohm finished a layup to give the Baby Tamaraws a 69-61 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Louie Bual opened the final period with a triple to keep the Junior Warriors within five, 69-64, but that was as close as UE would get. FEU-D responded with a decisive 15-2 run—capped by two Prince Cariño free throws and a Sohm layup—to build an 86-66 advantage with 5:03 remaining.

“Nagawa nung players yung adjustments that we had to do on defense [noong fourth quarter], kaya 12 points lang sila. Mainly, it was their transition attack that we stopped, they had their shots, but luckily, nag-miss sila,” Baby Tamaraws head coach Mike Reyes said.

Cabonilas led FEU-D with 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. Burgos added 12 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.

Sohm finished with eight points, five rebounds, three steals, and one block, while Khean Esperanza, Nigerian center Assan Gaye, Adi Alagaban, and Dwyne Enriquez each scored eight points in the win.

For UE, Mhico Abellar paced the Junior Warriors with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Delos Reyes added 11 points, two assists, and one rebound.

Ethan Aguas was limited to seven points on four shot attempts, along with five rebounds and one block, while Sizco Roquid continued to struggle, finishing with two points on 1-of-7 shooting, two turnovers, two rebounds, and one assist.

The Scores:

Third Game:

FEU-D (96) - Cabonilas 22, Burgos 12, Esperanza 8, Gaye 8, Sohm 8, Alagaban 8, Enriquez 8, Cagurungan 7, Dagcutan 5, Hall 4, Carino 4, Raneses 2, J. Santos 0, Dulin 0, D. Santos 0.

UE (73) - Abellar 12, Delos Reyes 11, Bual 9, Pascual 8, Aguas 7, Lorenzo 5, Edoukou 5, Oraa 5, Braga 4, Diaz 3, Roquid 2, Timbol 2, Orca 0, Panganiban 0, Copada 0.

Quarterscores: 32-28, 50-46, 69-61, 96-73.

Fourth Game:

Ateneo (100) - Eriobu 28, Banal 25, Leal 17, Madrangca 9, Espinas 9, Kaw 6, Kallos 6, Gatmaitan 2, Lacsamana 2.

UST (88) - Canapi 24, Ludovice 15, Esteban 13, Canete 12, Melano 11, Lapastora 5, Ajani 4, Bathan 2, Pulongbarit 2, Vidanes 0, Sta. Maria 0, Candare 0.

Quarterscores: 24-17, 41-47, 66-70, 100-88.

Southridge to hold fourth international fencing tournament

After skipping last year, PAREF-Southridge is hosting the fourth edition of its fencing competition this weekend, with The Bellevue in Alabang serving as the venue for the two-day competition, bringing together some of the best youth fencers in the country.

Around thirty divisions across a variety of age groups in all three disciplines are set to participate, both individually and in team formats. The current field includes a number who are in preparation for not just the upcoming UAAP later in this quarter, but also for the upcoming major tournaments being held here and abroad.

Notable standouts from the likes of the major fencing institutions are expected to participate, including SEA Games medalists Louis Shoemaker and Sophia Catantan of the University of the East, as well as fellow national team pool members like Nicol Canlas, Brynt Gale, James Lim, Ivana Salvador, Jodie Tan, Solana Trinidad, and the del Castillo siblings Oscar and Hagia Sophia.

In addition, Enrico Fuentes leads the home contingent of Admirals, with their expected debut as a guest team in the UAAP looming in the horizon.

Also, a few fencers are seeking to build on their performances from last week's 3rd Winter Cup as hosted by neighbors Hampton Court Fencing Club with the ratcheted up competition in this field. 

And true to their title, a few foreigners are also set to join the competition.

UAAP finalizes collegiate volleyball schedule

'THREE-PEAT' seeking National University opens its post-Bella Belen era against a regrouping University of Santo Tomas side, highlighting the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball opening weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses, who faced off in the Season 87 championship in 2024, will clash at 3 p.m. on February 15. Earlier, Adamson University, led by last season’s top scorer Shai Nitura, takes on Ateneo at 1 p.m. in an intriguing prelude to the NU-UST showdown.

On the men’s side, the Bulldogs begin their six-peat bid the same day against the Golden Spikers, whom they met in the Season 86 (2024) and Season 87 (2025) Finals, at 11 a.m.

The Blue Eagles face the Soaring Falcons in the 9 a.m. opener.

The league will also hold its first Valentine’s Day matchday in eight years on February 14, featuring last season’s runner-up La Salle and Far Eastern University at 3 p.m. at the bayside Pasay arena.

Coincidentally, the most recent Valentine’s Day match in UAAP Season 80 (2018) also featured the Lady Spikers and the Lady Tamaraws, with the Taft-based side prevailing in five sets over their Morayta rivals.

University of the Philippines and University of the East open the Valentine’s Day festivities at 1 p.m., marking the Fighting Maroons’ first Valentine’s Day appearance since UAAP Season 80 (2018), when they lost to the Lady Falcons in straight sets.

Meanwhile, the Tamaraws, last season’s men’s runner-up, will face the Green Spikers at 11 a.m., following the Fighting Maroons and Red Warriors’ 9 a.m. opener.

All eyes will be on the Lady Bulldogs as they navigate a season without three-time MVP Bella Belen, whose No. 4 jersey was retired last year, and Solomon, one of the finest opposite spikers in league history.

Now under first-year head coach Regine Diego, NU hopes to perform well behind holdovers such as last season’s co-Finals MVP Vange Alinsug, libero Shaira Jardio, setter Lams Lamina, Kaye Bombita, Celine Marsh, Chams Maaya, and Alexa Mata.

UAAP Season 87 MVP Sam Cantada will also make her NU debut.

With Shaq delos Santos, who steered the Golden Tigresses to their 15th and most recent championship in 2011 (Season 73), back at the helm, the España faithful remained upbeat to end their long wait with the return of Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula to back up Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, playmaker Cassie Carballo, and do-it-all Detdet Pepito.

La Salle, last crowned champions in Season 86, seeks to end consecutive runner-up finishes with veterans Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido leading the way, while FEU aims to go deeper after a series of fourth-place finishes behind Congo’s Faida Bakanke, Gerz Petallo, and Jaz Ellorina.

Adamson’s core—Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Fhei Sagaysay—along with middle blocker Lhouriz Tuddao and libero Althea Aposaga, will guide the Lady Falcons as they look to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish.

The Fighting Maroons, aiming to surpass last season’s sixth-place finish under new coach Fabio Menta, will be led by Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares, joined by newcomers Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga. Meanwhile, Ateneo and UE are hoping to bounce back from disappointing campaigns last season.

The women’s Finals rematch between NU and La Salle is set for March 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

NU and FEU will meet at the Pasay venue on February 21, their first encounter since their epic championship-deciding clash that drew a league-record men’s volleyball crowd of 14,517 fans.

Other marquee women’s matches include Adamson vs. NU on February 18 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena, UST vs. La Salle on February 22, UST vs. FEU on March 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, NU vs. UP on February 28 at the QPav, and Adamson vs. UST on March 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The first La Salle-Ateneo showdown is scheduled for March 1 at the Big Dome.

GMA set to showcase NCAA Season 101 volleyball

Building Greatness

Fresh from the completion of the Juniors and Seniors Basketball portion of the 101st season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, GMA is set to showcase the clash for supremacy on the taraflex with the start of the volleyball tournament this Friday, January 23, at the San Andres Sports Complex.

The league is set to hold the Opening Ceremony at 10am, followed by a quadruple-header.

Defending champions College of Saint Benilde is set to kick off their quest for a fifth straight crown in the women's division in a high noon showdown against Mapua, to be followed by the duel between potential title challengers Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Arellano at 230pm.

The men then take over, with the CSB facing Mapua at 5pm and the capping off the festivities with the finals rematch between Letran and Arellano at 730pm.

This season's Volleyball Chairman Fr. Victor C. Calvo, Jr. shares, "For NCAA Season 101 Volleyball, we have some modifications like the [tournament format where there will be two groupings], so that the tournament will be more exciting and unpredictable. The Philippines is a volleyball country, so we are trying very hard to make this season, as much as possible, competitive, and for the enjoyment of the fans."

Like their basketball counterparts, the league has split the teams into two groups of five, with Group A featuring CSB, Mapua, San Sebastian, Jose Rizal University, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, and Group B comprising of Letran, Arellano, Lyceum, San Beda, and Emilio Aguinaldo College. The same format, including the play-in, will be adopted as well for this tournament.

Volleyball matches will be televised LIVE every Wednesday at 11am on GTV, and 230pm on both GTV and Heart of Asia. Fridays will be at 12nn and 230pm on HOA, while Sundays at the same time on both GTV and HOA. Games will also be streamed the league's official social media platforms, as well as on GMA Sports. Fans abroad will be able to watch through GMA News TV.

Regional TV Department and Concurrent Head, Central Office Operations and Synergy Officer-in-Charge Marivic Araneta says, "As the proud home of the NCAA, GMA Network, thru GMA Synergy, is committed to providing the best viewing experience for all the NCAA supporters and Kapuso sports enthusiasts. With the competitive spirit of all participating NCAA volleyball teams, this season’s... Volleyball Tournament is definitely something to look forward to. We invite everyone to show their support and witness the incomparable determination and world-class skills of all student athletes."

UST blowout ensure ownership of UAAP high school baseball leaderboard after first round

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Baseball Standings
TEAM W-L
UST 3-1
DLSZ 2-2
NUNS 2-2
SRG 2-2
Ateneo 1-3

In a finals rematch seven years in the making, defending champion University of Santo Tomas reasserted its mastery over Ateneo de Manila University with an 18-6, seven-inning rout to secure the top spot at the end of the first round of the UAAP Season 88 High School Baseball Tournament on Wednesday.

The Junior Golden Sox’s third win in four games provided a timely boost heading into the second round, still to be held at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Coliseum, as they bounced back from an 11-13 upset loss to PAREF Southridge in their previous outing.

“Huwag lang maliitin ang kalaban kahit nakikita nila na tinatambakan ng previous games, parehong magagaling yan minalas lang ang mga yun. Kapag nag kumpyansa kasi, pag naiskoran mabibigla na lang ang player hindi na makabangon. Killer instinct dapat, hindi puwedeng nagkukumpyansa,” said UST head coach Jeffrey Santiago, recalling his reminders to the team before the game.

Joshua Ibabao starred for UST with a perfect day at the plate, reaching safely in all five of his plate appearances. The third baseman drove in five runs on three hits—including a double and a triple—while also drawing two walks. He stole three bases and crossed the plate in all five appearances.

Right fielder Joem Paragas also delivered, going 3-for-4 with two triples as the Junior Golden Sox piled up 12 hits, showcased patience with nine walks, and capitalized on Ateneo’s six errors.

UST applied pressure early with a 15-run outburst in the first four innings, a deficit Ateneo could not overcome despite a four-run rally in the top of the fifth that trimmed the gap to 15-6.

The Junior Golden Sox added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of Paragas, Ibabao, and Jacky Lobos on a passed ball, an error, and a Marcus Dela Cerna single, respectively. Eugene Hermozura then closed the game by retiring the side in the top of the seventh to enforce the mercy rule.

Ponce Ignacio paced Ateneo with three RBIs on a double to left field in the fifth inning, while ace pitcher Mio Ilagan lasted just 1 1/3 innings after surrendering three hits and five walks that led to six early runs.

The Blue Eagles absorbed their second straight loss, dropping to 1-3 and sliding to solo fifth place.

Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel forced a three-way tie for second place after outlasting National University Nazareth School, 9-8, in 10 innings.

DLSZ, NUNS, and Southridge will all carry identical 2-2 records heading into the second round.

The Junior Green Batters appeared in control early, building a 7-1 lead, but the Bullpups stormed back with a five-run seventh inning and added another in the eighth to knot the contest at 7-all.

With two outs and Juancho Gatmaitan on first in the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Zulueta ripped a double to left field. Gatmaitan gambled and tried to score, but a perfect relay by NUNS cut him down at the plate, giving the Bullpups a walk-off opportunity.

DLSZ pitcher Andrei Valeros, however, kept NUNS scoreless to force extra innings.

In the 10th, the Junior Green Batters regained their composure as Alfonso Alcantara and Aljun Tapia knocked in automatic runners Gatmaitan and Zulueta on shallow singles to give DLSZ a 9-7 lead.

NUNS attempted to walk it off—or at least extend the game—after pinch hitter Steven Alfante laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Orlando Cedillo and John Adriano into scoring position. Kyle Montallana followed with a grounder to right field that brought Cedillo home.

Valeros, however, shut the door by striking out Vhins Adanza and John Plaza to seal the dramatic victory for DLSZ.

“We came sa talo against Ateneo, something similar na hinabol kami, so sabi ko hindi ko papabayaan ito. Kilala ko ang boys ko, kilala rin nila ang sarili nila. Kapag ayaw nilang ibigay, hindi talaga nila ibibigay (ang panalo),” said DLSZ head coach Gil Encarnado Jr.

Amadeus Trozado— the lone player to homer in the first round—led the Junior Green Batters with three hits, an RBI, and two stolen bases. Valeros was also a presence at the plate, drawing two intentional walks while adding a hit and two RBIs.

On the mound, Valeros was equally impressive. He worked the first 6 2/3 innings before briefly switching positions with shortstop Jan Soriano, then returned to pitch the final 2 1/3 frames, allowing just five hits and striking out 10 batters.

First Game:
Team    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    R    H    E
Ateneo    1    0    1    0    4    0    0    x    x    6    8    6
UST    2    5    5    3    0    3    x    x    x    18    12    3

Second Game:
Team    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    R    H    E
DLSZ    0    0    0    1    6    0    0    0    0    2    9    12    9
NUNS    0    0    0    1    0    0    5    1    0    1    8    6    4

Emana earns wild card into Philippine Women’s Open qualifying

Kaye Ann Emana (third from left) earned a wild card slot to the Philippine Women's Open qualifying round after beating Elizabeth Abarquez (second from left) in the finals of the PHILTA qualifying meet at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center last Thursday night. Flanking them are PHILTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza (left) and PHILTA board member and former national team standout Dyan Castillejo (right).

Displaying both skill and stamina, UAAP Season 87 Tennis MVP Kaye Ann Emana of UST outplayed varsity rival Elizabeth Abarquez of NU 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 last Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to book a ticket to the qualifying draw of the Philippine Women’s Open. 

Mixing her shots well throughout the match,  Emana reasserted her mastery over the frustrated Abarquez with another straight-set triumph, reprising their clash in the UAAP women’s tennis tournament finals last year. 

Even more impressive was the fact that the bespectacled netter was just an hour away from completing a 6-4, 6-4 conquest of top seed Tiffany Nocos in the semifinals after their match was suspended the previous night  following the first set due to heavy rain. 

When play resumed late yesterday afternoon, Emana showed grit in rallying from a 1-4 second-set deficit to win the next five games and set up a showdown with Abarquez for the coveted wild card ticket in the qualifying meet organized by the Philippine Tennis Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Thankful po ako and excited to get the wild card (for the Philippine Women’s Open qualifying draw). At kinakabahan din po kasi first time kong makakalaban ang mga mas magagaling na player doon sa qualifying round,” she said. 

She credited her strong mindset in recovering from a 0-2 deficit in the first set against Abarquez to force the tie-breaker after they wound up deadlocked at 6-all after 12 games. 

“Up and down ang laro ko po sa first set kaya nag-take advantage na lang po ako ng mukhang na-frustrate na siya, lalo sa tiebreaker when I took a 3-0 lead,” Emana said of the turning point in the match. 

Gaining confidence with each shot in the second set, the player  was in complete control, surging to an imposing 5-1 lead against her demoralized foe on the way to sealing her slot in the qualifying round of the Philippine Women’s Open.

Abarquez acknowledged that she was flustered by her foe’s deceptive and unpredictable switching of shots that disrupted her game, leading to her downfall.

“Deceptive po ang mga shots niya (Emana). Akala ko malayo tapos malapit sa net babagsak yung bola. Hindi ako makaporma talaga,” rued the Cebuana player, who recalled that it was virtually the same result she had against her rival when they tangled in last UAAP women’s tennis finals. 

Both players noted the marked improvement of the playing conditions on the resurfaced hard courts with more than a week to go before the start of the country’s first WTA 125 tournament sanctioned by the Women’s Tennis Association.     

PHILTA official and co-PWO tournament director Dyan Castillejo advised Abarquez to keep practicing in case the wildcard opportunity opens up. The qualifying draw will be staged Jan. 24 to 25 before the main draw kicks off on Jan. 26.

Philippines ready to host inaugural WTA 125 event in the country

"WTA 125 Manila. We are ready!" 

This was the assurance given yesterday by organizers regarding preparations for the Philippine Women's Open, the country's first Women's Tennis Association tournament,  set from Jan. 26 to 31 at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. 

"We are glad with the partnership of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Tennnis Association. The PSC is the enabler of events," noted Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio said during the press conference yesterday at the Lanson Place in Pasay City two weeks before the event begins. 

"You go there (the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center) and see hundreds of workers working into the wee hours of the morning. We have not only mobilized the PSC group but also the City of Manila and the DPWH. It is a beautiful transformation," he said of the upgrading of the entire Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for the meet.  

"So we have no second thoughts in giving financial support for this project and to NSAs that realize and understand the vision of the Philippine Sports Commission," the PSC chief stressed. 

"The fact that we are already using the courts for a qualifying tournament among our top local players for the Philippine Women's Open means that it (the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center) is almost ready," said PHILTA secretary general John Rey Tiangco at the same briefing.   

"We are confident that with the PSC beside us that we will be able to finish on time." 

Tiangco, also the Navotas City Mayor and  a former age group standout and national player, said that hosting  the inaugural Philippine Women's Open was a big deal for Philippine tennis development. 

"Malaking bagay po ito.  This is not just a one-time event, an investment for Philippine tennis. We are building a whole new ecosystem that will allow our local players to compete against world-class opponents," he said. 

The PHILTA secured a three-year  agreement with the Women's Tennis Association to stage the WTA 125 tournament, according to Tiangco. 

Meanwhile, tickets are now available for the competition, according to PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza,  with the price pegged at P200 each  and free seating for the qualifying round  matches from Jan. 24 to  25. 

In the main draw from the round of 32 to the quarterfinals frrom Jan. 26 to 29, ticket prices will be at P1,000, with free seating, Mendoza said. 

On the other hand,  tickets for singles semifinals and doubles finals on Jan. 30  will cost P1,500 for the standard pass and P2,000 for the premium pass, which will also be the ticket prices for the championship match on the last day on Jan. 31, she said.

UAAP revives HS Baseball tournament, adds PAREF-Southridge

c/o UAAP

Games today at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
8 a.m. - DLSZ vs UST
11 a.m. - Southridge vs Ateneo

High school baseball is set to make its return to the UAAP after a six-year hiatus.

Last staged in Season 82 (2019), the UAAP High School Baseball Tournament comes back bigger this year with the inclusion of guest team PAREF-Southridge School.

The Admirals’ entry turns the competition into a five-team field, joining defending champion University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Zobel, and National University Nazareth School.

The Junior Golden Sox will open their long-awaited title defense—seven years in the making— today (Wednesday) at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, facing the Junior Green Batters in the opening game.

First pitch is set at 8 a.m.

“We are very much eager to defend the title. Kami ang kauna-unahang UAAP champion at kahuli-hulihang champion kaya we want to be the champion again sa pagbabalik ng UAAP high school baseball,” said UST head coach and local legend Jeff Santiago.

In Season 82, the Junior Golden Sox, then bannered by John Regalado and Justine Rosales—both of whom went on to make their mark at the collegiate level—defeated Ateneo, led by Season MVP Matt San Juan, in three games in the Finals.

Although the high school tournament has been held since Season 74 (2011), it only became a regular sport in Season 80 (2017). UST ruled the diamond in that inaugural run.

Southridge will make its tournament debut at 11 a.m. against Ateneo.

Admirals head coach Bocc Bernardo, who previously handled Ateneo’s collegiate team, where he remains as an assistant to Blue Eagles head coach Pepe Jose, is determined to make the most of the opportunity now that his high school squad has a platform to showcase its talent.

“Actually, it’s something that all high school players are looking forward to. Yung mga pending na naghihintay sa college kasi walang paglalaruan, ngayon nakabalik na. Everyone has been looking forward to this. It’s going to be a very competitive tournament. Very happy ako na nagawan ng paraan and happy ako nakasama yung Southridge,” shared Bernardo.

Southridge will lean on ace pitcher Joaquin Salvador, supported by a pitching staff that includes JC Basañes and Amiel Belga, along with slugger Matt Gelota.

Ateneo, meanwhile, will be led by Grade 12 ace pitcher Lorenzo de Guzman, catcher Nicolas Sevilla, infielder Santiago Afuang, and former Xavier School standout Tres Saguisag.

This marks the third UAAP event Southridge has joined, following high school boys’ football in Season 87, where they reached the Final Four, and high school boys’ swimming in Season 88.

“Well, we all know that our baseball team can compete. Marami sa alumnus ng Southridge is nakukuha sa college like Ateneo. I think, this year we will aim for the top two and work from there,” said the confident Bernardo, a former champion catcher for Ateneo.

National University Nazareth School will begin its campaign on Saturday at 8 a.m. against UST.

Games will be played every Wednesday and Saturday.