ZAMBOANGA CITY – There were ominous signs coming from powerhouse National Capital Region yesterday but defending champion Western Visayas welcomed the challenge.

NCR is fielding a lean but mean contingent and could spoil a Western Visayas show in its pet events like athletics and swimming.

“It’s not going to be easy but our athletes are ready for the challenge,” Roger Banzuela, WV athletic manager, told the DAILY STAR.

Interestingly, athletes from Western Visayas will be at the forefront of the NCR campaign.

Now part of University of Sto. Tomas’ varsity program, E.B. Magalona’s Ben Alejandrino, Victorias’ Keizel Pedrina, Bago City’s Lovely Christine Olaira and Iloilo’s Ma. Dele Paz Banebane and Luville Dato-on will all be in action for NCR in the 38th edition of the meet.

The athletes have some formidable teammates in the likes of Bernadette Mag-aso, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, and Far Eastern University’s Nelbert Ducusin, a member of the national pool, who bagged three golds in the National University Games in 2006 and 2007.

The Western Visayas domination of swimming is also expected to come under threat from NCR, which is fielding powerhouse squads from San Beda College, led by veteran internationalist Ferdinand Frigillana, and University of Sto. Tomas, spearheaded by Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Marvie Borja.

It also did not help that Western Visayas is bereft of top female swimmer Dominique Balinas, Nhianlyn Acain and Ma. Katrina Alagaban, all of the University of St. La Salle.

Balinas bagged seven golds in the Western Visayas PRISAA in Iloilo City last February, while Acain and Alagaban were expected to add depth to the roster.

The dilemma has led coach Ronald Sta. Ana to spread out Balinas’ events to Chrizel Lagunday, USLS’ Michele Petero and Kristine Cabasac.

NCR will also set out as favorites in women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, women’s badminton, baseball softball, men and women’s chess, and lawn tennis, where it will also be represented by UST, the UAAP overall champion.

The region six bets are defending champions in men and women’s swimming, women’s volleyball, men and women’s chess women’s athletics, women’s table tennis, men and women’s badminton and women’s taekwondo.*CPT

back to top

NCR could spoil W. Visayas show
13 golds at stakeas Prisaa starts
La Salle tandems split assignments; UV hot