Badminton
The Ateneo Blue Shuttlers were one of three teams who participated in this year’s JIG. Competing in a single round-robin format, with three events that comprised of two singles and one doubles per match, the Shuttlers were able to show their valor and finished first overall.
Winning all three games against Ateneo de Naga, Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan, and Ateneo de Davao, the Blue Smashers were able to sweep their opponents, scoring 3-0 in all their matches.
“Although it’s more of friendly games, it was still a competition for us. So no matter what team we play against, we bring the best we can,” said Shuttler Raphael Sanchez (II BS CTM).
Football
Another team that had a successful stint in Cagayan was the Ateneo Blue Booters. Also playing in a single round-robin format, the Blue Booters surpassed all their counterparts.
Though they only managed a draw against the host team Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan in their final game, the points earned in their previous matches against Ateneo de Zamboanga and Ateneo de Naga, which they both won convincingly, were enough for the Booters to take the top spot.
“The tournament was a learning experience for everyone, especially the rookies. It really tested our character as a team,” said Team Captain Gino Tongson (IV AB MEco).
“Winning is not measured by the number of goals–but by the team’s will to constantly improve.”
Basketball
The Team B squad of the Ateneo Blue Eagles also took part in the JIG, fielding in eight members of the Eagles’ Team B pool along with five players from Team A, namely Jai Reyes (IV BS CTM), Vince Burke (I BS Mgt), Kirk Long (II AB IS), Nico Salva (I AB IS) and Mike Baldos (MBA).
The team managed to win their first three games against Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Naga, and Ateneo de Zamboanga but eventually bowed out to the host team on their final match, 87-78.
“It was very competitive. It even reached a point wherein the game was getting excessively physical,” said Team B member Alec Rivera (II AB Comm).
Even if they only placed 2nd to Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan, the members of this retooled Blue Eagles squad were very happy with the experience they gained in these out of town games.
“It was a very good experience for everyone. The people there in Cagayan were very enthusiastic and hospitable,” Rivera said.
