Ateneo de Manila University sets in motion its bid for a historic eighth straight University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s swimming crown as the Season 86 championships unfold today at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The Blue Eagles, who took last season’s title with 411 points — only 37 ahead of the De La Salle University, will have an intact lineup for this season, led by reigning Most Valuable Player Phillip Joaquin Santos, along with seniors Rafael Barreto, Rian Tirol, Marco Daos, and Rafael Isip, and last season’s Rookie of the Year Joshua Del Rio.
Needless to say, the Green Tankers are out to spoil the Blue Eagles’ bid. Ditto for University of the Philippines and dark horse University of Santo Tomas who boosted their roster with a few rookie recruits.
Events scheduled on Day 1 are 100-meter freestyle, 200m individual medley, 800m freestyle, 4x50m medley relay, and 4x200m freestyle relay.
For the women’s side, University of the Philippines is out to make La Salle’s reign a short one, packing a squad led by veteran international campaigners like Camille Buico and Erin Castrillo while bolstering their squad with rookies Quendy Fernandez, Atasha dela Torre and Juliana Villanueva.
The last time the Fighting Maroons won the UAAP tiara was back in Season 79 in 2016.
The Lady Tankers of La Salle will no longer have superstars Chloe Isleta and Xiandi Chua, leaving Raven Alcoseba and Nikki Pamintuan to lead the way.
Ateneo will also not have last year’s multiple national record-breaker Thanya dela Cruz, who took a leave of absence, in this campaign.
