Six months since the first semester events of the 90th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) kicked-off, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s campaign to defend the overall championship saw close match-ups. As the second semester resumes this month, here’s a recap of what has transpired in the oldest Collegiate feud in the Philippines.  

Basketball

The veteran-filled Taft squad marked highlights this season, such as scratching defending champion’s San Beda College (SBC) Red Lions’ flawless record to almost clinching a final four berth. With a win-loss card of 11-5, the Blazers nearly secured a final spot in the semis, but was denied by already-ran Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights.

Chess

The College’s Woodpushers closed their rally at third—a decline from their first runner-up finish last season—behind Arellano University and Lyceum of the Philippines University in the Chess Championship.

Swimming

Benilde’s Blazing Torpedoes sank to second place behind streaking SBC Red Sea Lions, who seized their 13th consecutive championship title. Swimmers Jovic Ventinilla, JR Ramos-Yap, Migo Gonzaga and Darwin Tumaneng claimed the crown for the 4×100 relay Senior Men’s Division, while reigning Most Valuable Player from last season, Misay Lipat, retained her crown at the women’s division.

Badminton

The Lady Blazers sealed a five-peat after settling this season’s Badminton championship. Four-time MVP Nikki Servando secured another MVP title yet again, making it her fifth straight and last one for the College. Inversely, however, the Blazers Men’s Badminton team’s five-year streak was snapped short by the Letran smashers, and the team fell to second spot.

Table Tennis

Benilde’s Men’s Blazing Paddlers earned a back-to-back championship feat, while the Women’s team ranked second in the NCAA Table Tennis event. The Men’s team was spearheaded by Koby Cabrido,who was unbeaten in both rounds of the competition.

Taekwondo

The Taft-based jins finished fifth and second place overall for the men’s and women’s team, respectively. The Poomsae team of the College, however, earned gold and bronze in their respective divisions.

The second semester of games resumed with the opening of this season’s Volleyball meet, last November 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena and will also include the start of Football on November 29, before the holiday break.

by Eliesse Del Rosario, Aya Garcia and Niña Mahmood
Photo by Aya Garcia