The GUIDON gives you the highlights of Team Ateneo’s performance in the 17th Philippine University Games (Unigames) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, last October 21 to 28.
WITH INFORMATION FROM GoAteneo.com
Track and Field
THE BLUE and Lady Tracksters brought home a total of five medals, but did not place in the podium. Super senior Miguel Sibayan led both squads with a gold in the discus throw and a bronze in the javelin event. Meanwhile, Cess Trinidad, who also competed with the Lady Booters, earned a bronze in the pole-vaulting event for the women’s team.
Other medals include one silver and one bronze in pole-vaulting from national junior record holder EJ Obiena and sophomore Gorby Pajaro, respectively. Noelle M. Recio
Volleyball
THE LADY Eagles won all five of their elimination round games against the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos, Ateneo de Davao, the University of San Agustin, Saint Louis University and the University of the Philippines (UP) via three-set sweeps.
Unfortunately, they fell short at the hands of the Adamson Falcons in a five-set quarterfinals thriller, with Alyssa Valdez not being able to finish the match due to an injured elbow. Archrivals De La Salle Lady Spikers eventually bagged home the gold in this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, the Blue Spikers finished the elimination round with a 4-1 record. Although they experienced a tough loss against the UP Fighting Maroons in the quarterfinals, this performance was one of their best runs in the Unigames. It has given their rookies, most notably Rex Intal, the experience and preparation needed for the upcoming UAAP. Chino C. Razon and Earl D.L. Forlales
Football
THE ATENEO football teams had promising campaigns at the Unigames. The men’s team, although hampered with injuries and suspensions, played their games close.
Despite a 2-3 loss to San Beda, the Blue Booters showed that they have finishers—a lacking element in last year’s squad. They also drew with defending UAAP champion UP, 1-1, proving that they are not a team to be taken lightly this Season 75.
Meanwhile, the women’s team racked up wins against Rizal Technological University, 10-0, the University of San Carlos, 4-0, and archrivals La Salle, 1-0, as they stole the spotlight by making it to the finals. Playing against powerhouse UP for the crown, the ladies conceded a late goal to lose, 1-0, and finish second.
Nevertheless, the Lady Booters’ strong performance sent out an equally strong statement for the coming UAAP season this December. Angelo F. Herbosa and Mikaela J. Sumulong
Basketball
HEADED BY Coach Gabby Severino, the Blue Eagles finished second thanks to a buzzer-beating layup by Kiefer Ravena, care of a rebound and assist by Gwyne Capacio, against the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Aside from a star play by Ravena and Juami Tiongson, players Capacio and Nico Elorde came up big for Ateneo against the University of San Jose–Recoletos, while Von Pessumal shined in the game against the University of San Agustin to help the Blue Eagles to victory.
The departure of their veterans didn’t seem to be a factor either, as Ateneo defeated the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 58-56, who were only missing Jeric Fortuna and Melo Afuang.
The Lady Eagles did not participate in the Unigames this year. Angelo F. Herbosa
Lawn Tennis
MUCH NEEDED experience was the fruit of the performance of the Ateneo Blue and Lady Netters in this year’s Unigames.
The women’s team defeated La Salle Dipolog and the University of Mindanao thanks to an excellent play by Shanine Olivares, Joanne Opulencia and Mary Grace Rivero.
The Blue Netters, on the other hand, were humbled by the University of Santo Tomas, but they bounced back to beat Central Philippine University care of wins by Andre Banate and Julius Lagman. While the Ateneo Netters did not find themselves at the top of the standings, the Unigames showed them areas for improvement in their game. Mateo L. Escueta
