After reigning for five consecutive seasons, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Green Paddlers failed to defend their crown after surrendering to San Beda University (SBU) Red Paddlers on September 8 at the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Gymnasium. 

Led by team captain Marthy Del Rosario, the men’s team consisted of Vince Angeli Sy, Kanes Leonard Molde, Lance Jacolo, Joshua Lim and Russ Pacuan. While the women’s team is represented by Kim Gabrielle Lapitan, Phoebe Jumamoy, Kezi Kyla Trinidad, Alexandra Reyes, Riches Gabrielle Villa and their team captain, Rikki Medina.

The men’s table tennis team scored 4-4 in a round-robin match of the elimination, cutting short towards the final round. In an interview with The Benildean, team captain Del Rosario mentioned that their team is currently in transition period, with some of the members of the team already graduated including Ryan Jacolo, five-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Joshua Padilla, Del Rosario’s doubles partner. 

“Experience plays a big role sa NCAA Season 95 namin. This season kasi may mga moments na [sa] amin na pero nakukuha pa [ng iba]. Madaming crucial situations na nasayang,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Lady Paddlers fell short to snap San Beda Lady Red Paddlers’ sixth-championship winning streak, extending their seven-year title drought. The women’s team had a notable win-loss record of 8-0 in the elimination round but the Lady Paddlers did not allow them to secure championship this season.