The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Chess Masters gear up to take on the renewed NCAA season with a championship experience and a new addition to their lineup, as they seek to defend their title following the opening ceremony on Nov. 7 at the José Rizal University (JRU), Mandaluyong City

In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, former Benildean athlete and NCAA Season 101 Coach of the Year Jerich Cajeras discussed the team’s preparations ahead of the new season. 

“Yung preparations namin this year iba [siya] kasi last year tailored siya sa kung sino ‘yung champion [...] Lahat ng games nung nakaraan, kahit ‘yung mga previous seasons pa, mayroon kaming copy noon, so chinecheck namin doon ‘yung games ng lahat [...] Then, tinitignan namin kung ano yung mga weaknesses namin na pwede naming punan, [while] the rest naka-focus sa studying ng mga opponents namin.”

Coach Cajeras also expressed that after years of rebuilding a successful campaign last season, there have been major improvements with the team’s capabilities and chemistry, further strengthened by the addition of their latest recruit.

“So, I think the records speak for [themselves], and [it’s visible] sa lineup [...] Kasi for the past three years, laging five players lang. This year, ‘yung nag-start na [season], naging six na kami…”

Coach Cajeras identified Adrian Singson, an ID124 Business Management (BSBA-BM) student transferee from San Beda University (SBU), as the team’s newest addition.

Meanwhile, Mel George Cadano, an ID123 student from the Interior Design (BS-IND) program,  emphasized in an interview with The Benildean the goals the team has set and the determination to sustain momentum from the previous season. 

“Our goal as a team is to—of course—defend our title as champions [and] to maintain our composure and sportsmanship throughout the games. Hindi porket champion, parang magpapakampante na. So ang ginawa namin is nag-doble kami ng work, and then we also did physical training [for] endurance [...] Mental game ang chess pero may physical aspect din siya.” 

Cadano also shared that their biggest strength lies in their bond and unity, as well as making new recruits feel welcomed and supported enough to perform well.

Similarly, reigning Most Valuable Player Jasper Faeldonia, an ID124 Marketing Management (BSBA-MM) student, discussed that apart from obtaining back-to-back titles, he also wants the team to perform at their highest level while inspiring young student-athletes.

“Ang goal namin ngayon is siyempre makuha ‘yung kampeonato tsaka to perform [well]. Lahat kami maganda [sana] maging performance namin at [sana] maka-inspire din [kami] ng mga student-athletes.”

The Benilde Chess Masters opened their Season 102 campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Pirates on Nov. 8 at the José Rizal University.