MANILA — Kent Francis Jardin, Denmark Dacunes, and Christine Guergo of Adamson University collected their second gold apiece in the Philippine Navy competition Tuesday at the resumption of the ROTC Games National Capital Region (NCR) Leg at the Philsports track oval in Pasig City.

The 19-year-old Jardin, a first-year Bachelor in Sports Science, along with Dacunes, Ralph Anthony Lego, and Alexander Padilla clocked 44.50 seconds to rule the Navy’s 4×100-m relay.

On the other hand, Guergo likewise secured her second gold after topping the women’s 100-m dash in 28:02 seconds.

Other winners in the century dash were Dacunes in the 100-m dash with a time of 11:20 and Bernadette Batoy in the women’s 100-m dash in the Army division with a clocking of 14:01.

Adamson University Lady Falcons needed just straight sets to beat the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 25-17, 25-16, 25-11, and remained undefeated in two matches of the Navy competition.

Alice Dimpo and Allyssa Jasmin displayed enough precision in blocking and defense to carve its second win following a similar easy three-set victory against De La Salle Taft, 25-4, 25-20, 25-12 the other day.

The UPHSD Belles languished at the bottom in the Navy Division with a 0-2 win-loss card. Thus, a win by the Lady Falcons over the University of Makati will enable them to bring home the crown in the Naval contest. The format of the tourney is round robin series and the top team will win the championship.

They need to win over the University of Makati, which is bearing a similar 2-0 record to advance into the national finals on Oct. 22-28 in Marikina City. Both teams will square off today.

“Sana mag-champion kami. We are really aiming for that because it’s a big honor for our school. We want also to advance to the national finals. We are hoping for that,” said Reservist Pvt. First Class Marielle Rae Lubang.

In the Army competition, Technological University of the Philippines won over Lyceum of Alabang, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20, while Rizal Technological University defeated Our Lady of Lourdes Technological College of Quezon City, 25-10, 25-17, 25-14 and Quezon City University won by forfeiture over Bestlink Philippines, 3-0.

The Air Force tournament saw Philippine State College of Aeronautics winning against St. Jude College of Quezon City, 25-9, 25-8, 25-13, and PATTS College of Aeronautics securing a 15-16, 25-11, 15-27, 25-17 win over UPHSD-Molino.

Some technical glitches caused minor disruption in the resumption of the other events in kickboxing and boxing, which are also holding their respective elimination phase.

Exciting actions will resume today (Wednesday) at different venues inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex along Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. (formerly Vito Cruz) in Malate, Manila.

After the NCR leg, the fourth of the nationwide regional legs, the national finals will immediately follow on Oct. 22 to 26 in Marikina City. (ai/mnm)

Image Courtesy of: Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Facebook Page)

THE Blu Girls have secured an impressive four consecutive victories at the Makassar Open in Indonesia.

Despite a challenging start with a 1-7 loss to the formidable Japanese team in the opening game of the 2023 Makassar Open International Softball Tournament, the Philippine women’s softball squad has displayed remarkable skill and teamwork to keep their title hopes alive.

With resounding wins against Malaysia University Varsyti (13-0), the Southside Stingers of Australia (7-0), Lakidende of Indonesia (8-0), and Miramar of New Zealand (6-0), the Blu Girls have showcased their dominance on the field.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil), commented on their success, stating, “These victories highlight our team’s capabilities and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Makassar Open is a crucial platform for us to demonstrate our readiness for global competition, and our performance so far stands as a strong testament to our potential.”

Lhuillier also emphasized that the Blu Girls’ consistent performances have positioned them as a team to watch as the tournament unfolds, and their lone defeat to Japan has not diminished their status as strong contenders.

The Makassar Open also serves as the final preparation for the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed team as they gear up for the 2023 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Shaoxing, China, from September 26 to October 2, 2023.

The roster of the Blu Girls includes Glory Alonzo, Francesca Altomonte, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Elsie Dela Torre, Skylynne Ellazar, Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Alaiza Talisik, Nicole Hammoude, Mae Langga, Mary Joy Maguad, Ma. Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Aliza Pichon, Cristy Joy, Ma. Charlotte Sales, Alaiza Talisik, and Reyae Villamin. (ai/mnm)