The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Chess Masters concluded their Season 100 run with a fifth-place finish following a loss against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions on Nov. 19 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City.

The Benilde Chess Masters consisted of Team Captain Mel George Cadano, alongside John Laurence Donguines, Daniel Baylosis, Khent Delig, and Jomari Mendoza. They closed out the elimination round with 21 points, clinching the fifth spot in the tournament standings.

In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Head Coach Jerich Cajeras shared how the team was formed, “I was a part of the [Benilde’s] Chess Team before, then I became its assistant coach and eventually the head coach. I formed the team through the recruitment of players with higher levels of skills like Palarong Pambansa chess athletes from different places in the Philippines. I recruited two athletes from Cebu, one from Bacolod, and players from [...] the National Capital Region.”

Preparation for NCAA Season 100

Unlike in Season 99, where the team only had one month of preparation, Coach Cajeras shared, “For Season 100, we had an entire year to prepare. In fact, I already made an agreement with my players as I was able to train and supervise them even before their admission to Benilde along with an increased number of tune-ups and tournaments for the athletes.”

“We have a very young team, as our team captain is only a sophomore in Benilde while the rest are freshmen. The team also includes a National Master from Ateneo [de Manila University], unfortunately, they cannot play for the team yet as they need to meet the residence requirements of the NCAA,” he remarked to spotlight the up-and-coming squad.

He also extended a heartfelt message to the community, saying, “I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. It feels very encouraging to know that we have Benildeans with us making us more determined than ever.”