Men’s Football: Life without Jarvey
DESPITE THE premature conclusion to Season 82, the two games played by the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) marked the start of Ateneo’s post-Jarvey Gayoso era. As the team’s primary goal scorer over the past four seasons, Gayoso’s departure for the professional ranks has left the team with a gaping void.
However, a number of returning veterans look to fill this scoring hole. After a stellar rookie season, Luca Alleje, with his dangerous eye for goals, looks set to be the team’s starting striker in the near future. Returning attacking midfielder Jimi Haosen also adds another dimension to the offense with his pace and direct style of play.
The squad’s attack seems ready for the long-term as well, with Jabez Setters, Jojo Fuentes, Paco Mathay, and Sky Guerrero providing options on the attack. Most of these players can be slotted anywhere on offense, providing the coaches with a variety of choices depending on the game plan.
With an abundance of talent at their disposal, the team will surely experiment with different tactical approaches with this young squad. It is never easy to replicate the production of a guy like Gayoso, one of the most prolific footballers in UAAP history, but the AMFT still looks to be dangerous with the ball on their feet.
Undefeated: Shaira Rivera
DESPITE FALLING short of a finals bid in Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the future of the Ateneo Women’s Tennis Team remains bright because of Shaira Rivera. The former Palarong Pambansa champion romped her way through last season, showcasing her mastery en route to an immaculate 9-0 slate in the tourney. The fact that she did not drop a single game in those nine matches earned her the coveted Rookie of the Year plum.
Ever since her final four run last season, Rivera has honed her skills even further. Last August, she trained in Amsterdam, which was followed by a stint in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in December of that year. Rivera then put her skills to the test in the sport’s premier competition, flying to New Zealand last February to compete in the Fed Cup—the “world cup” of women’s tennis. Rivera garnered a runner-up finish in the prestigious tournament.
On February 29, Rivera was ranked sixth in the Philippine women’s singles rankings, underscoring her stature as one of the best players in the country. Despite the cancellation of UAAP Season 82, Rivera remains hungrier than ever to continue her development and eventually earn the Ateneo Lady Eagles their first UAAP lawn tennis gold.
