Photo by Christella D. Soriano

Swimming

By Dean V. Roxas

WITH LESS than three months to go before the UAAP Swimming Championships, training has intensified for both the Blue and Lady Tankers.

Despite the departure of Season 73 MVP Evan UY and team captain Mike Contreras to graduation, Coach Archie Lim is keen on seeing his young team of swimmers defend their podium finish—or perhaps even bag their first ever championship, having only gone as far as second place before.

The Tankers will be banking on Rookie of the Year Lawin Dacera, breaststroke specialist Sean Tan and former UAAP Juniors MVP Adel Barlisan to deliver in their respective events.

The Lady Tankers, meanwhile, are looking for their second championship, following their first in Season 71. They have their own Rookie of the Year in Jasmine Ong, and a butterfly powerhouse in Celina Gonzales. Alongside MVP and Moro Lorenzo Female athelte of the year, Jiji Cordero, the Tankers look to strengthen their bid to another championship.

Photo by Ean L. Dacay

Table Tennis

By Mateo L. Escueta

After a painful end to UAAP Season 73, the Katipuneros waved goodbye to a number of seasoned veterans from both the men’s and women’s team. For Season 74, though, these dedicated athletes have it etched in their hearts and minds to play hard and work harder.

Leading the Ateneo into another season are head coach Floyd Lubaton and assistant coach Rodel Valle. This year’s rookies—Karl Uy, Nikki Publico and Allyssa Balanzat—will be providing needed support for veterans Pierre Jacinto, Clarice Manuel, Mihali Crisostomo, Kristel Geneta and Annie Lee.

Men’s captain, Jacinto, and women’s captain, Manuel, return with their respective teams fueled by their greatest asset: unity and camaraderie. These Paddlers are, without a doubt, ready for one big fight.

Photo by Ean L. Dacay

Judo

By Angelo K. Gayanelo

ENTERING UAAP Season 74, Ateneo Judo finds itself in a unique situation: last year’s gold medalists and one silver medalist—two vital componenets of the three-peat—will be missing from the roster.

This presents a challenge to coaches Alexander Sulit and Robert Divina: how does a team gunning for another championship win without half of last year’s champions?

This year, white belts and brown belts will carry the burden which used to rest on black belts’ shoulders.

The graduation of Jhonel Faelnar and Daniel Velasco have put two gold medals up for grabs, but whether or not these medals will hang from Atenean necks again is a precarious question.

However, under the tutelage of a more-than-capable coaching staff, one can be assured that no matter how green these fighters may be, they will do what every Ateneo Judoka before them has done with unmatched passion: fight like champions.

Photo by Ean L. Dacay

Taekwondo

By Gianna R. Banzon

AFTER FALLING short of the top three, the Blue and Lady Jins are determined to beat the odds in this coming UAAP season.

Having lost several key players, seasoned veterans will be expected to step up their their game. Filling in the slots left by the graduates is a new breed of fresh talent, though short on collegiate experience, most of whom have excelled in their respective high school varsity teams.

Rounding up the men’s team are rookies Christian Bermejo, Radley Dizon, Kurt Bonifacio and Marc Frigillana. New additions to the women’s team include Adee Javier, Patricia Schroth and Patricia Arcega.

Schemes and policies are being strictly implemented for all players to monitor their progress and maximize their time. With a rigorous training schedule and a new set of rules and regulations, nothing but great results can be expected from the taekwondo team.

Photo by Pia B. Guballa

Blue Babble Battalion

By Aaron P. Valdez

THE BLUE Babble Battalion still maintains a positive outlook, despite falling from second place to fourth place in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition last year.

Lifter captain Marty Buragay says that the team wants to emphasize the “cheer” in “cheerleader.” Because the routine last year took on a dark and medieval tone, Buragay hopes that the team comes up with a rebirth- or renaissance-inspired theme this year for contrast.

Ateneo’s cheerleaders have decided that this year, aside from the usual goal of placing, their focus is lies more on enjoying the performance as it is, and ensuring that supporters and normal spectators alike find happiness and inspiration from.

The force behind One Big Fight features new faces that strengthens the team technically, adding to its roster two members of the RP cheerleading team. In this regard, come the end of the first semester, don’t be surprised if you see these blue-blooded gymnasts winning it all.

Photo by Tim Arafiles

Badminton

By Niko P. Lim

THIRD TIME’S a charm? This is what both the Blue and Lady Shuttlers will be hoping for.

After two seasons of yielding similar results—the men being snuffed out of championship contention by the UST Growling Tigers, and the women falling in the bottom two in league standings—the shuttlers in blue are aiming to actualize their goals in the upcoming UAAP season.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss in last year’s finals, the Blue Shuttlers are motivated more than ever to redeem themselves. The “Big Four” veterans, Toby Gadi, Paolo Sunga and siblings Pawee and Justin Natividad, will banner the team.

The Lady Shuttlers will be sporting their experience with six returnees, led by Carla Lizardo and Lisa Encarnacion. Coach Kennie’s squad has also won the service of prized recruits Gelita Castilo and Dia Magno, the top women’s doubles pair in the Philippines.

Photo by Pia B. Guballa

Basketball

By Kevin R. Davis

AFTER CAPTURING their first FilOil Flying V Preseason Championship, the Blue Eagles look every bit the three-time defending champions, and—in a case of the rich becoming richer—have reinforced their roster with blue-chip recruits.

The much publicized addition of King Eaglet Kiefer Ravena and seven-foot Smart Gilas mainstay Greg Slaughter has given the team more leverage.

Losing only two players to graduation, most notably Eric Salamat, the boys in blue hoped to bring back a nearly intact roster from last year—but a variety of off court issues have led to the omission of rookie standout Art Dela Cruz, Chris De Chavez and Season 73 Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe.

Despite a tumultuous offseason, the preseason was a clear showcase of the dynamic offense of the Blue Eagles. A veteran-laden team backed by a corps of fourth and fifth year players—Kirk Long, Bacon Austria, Emman Monfort, Nico Salva and the emerging Tonino Gonzaga—the Katipunan-based squad has the talent and the drive to capture a fourth UAAP Championship and firmly place itself in the pantheon of great UAAP dynasties.