De La Salle University ruled the men’s and women’s divisions of the 1st PTTF Hua Ching Intercollegiate Challenge over the weekend at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
The men’s team of Elijah Yamson, Dino Gabriel Marcelo, and Red Morison Torres defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 2-0, while the women’s squad composed of Angel Joyce Laude, Cielo Bernaldez, and Shyrein Mitz Rein Redoquerio also won over Ateneo, 2-0, as they claimed the titles in the tournament that drew 45 teams.
Both squads were coached by Lauro Paredes Crisostomo.
Yamson defeated Mahendra Kong Cabrido, 14-12, 11-5, 12-10, and Torres overcame Andrew Uy, 12-14, 11-5, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, for De La Salle-1 to win the championship tie in the men’s division.
Laude won over Jelaine Monteclaro, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7, and Redoqurio beat Ann Gella Borbon, 11-8, 11-7, 3-11, 11-7, in the women’s final for De La Salle-1.
Ateneo settled for the first runner-up, with University of Santo Tomas-1, and La Salle-2 taking the second runner-up in the men’s division.
Ateneo, UST, and Far Eastern University-2 were the next three placers in the women’s bracket.
During the opening rites, National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 Management Committee chairman Paul Supan congratulated the participants of around 200 players as they are “a testament to the best quality of the athlete which is resiliency and the ability to adapt to situations” with sports events now back during the pandemic.
University Athletic Association of the Philippines executive director Rebo Saguisag also encouraged the college players to stay patient and continue to work hard during their training.
“It is all about trusting the process. It is all about undergoing the process,” Saguisag said.
