By Generoso Laveros and F.S. Delgado
On the second year of the inclusion of women’s sepak takraw in the inter-campus meet, CapSU Mambusao finally got the championship trophy after defeating CapSU Roxas City in the final matchup, Sept. 29, in CapSU Pontevedra Campus.
The team composed of Ana Mae Torres, Maria Jellian Oñas, Zandra May Legpitan, Christine Joy Baylador, and Nevalyn Joy Aminoso dominated the game after winning the match in straight two sets, 21-17 and 21-12.
The group managed to remain undefeated from their first matchup with CapSU Sigma until facing CapSU Roxas City in the championship battle.
Though the team had the twice-to-beat advantage, they did not allow their opponents to push the game to a do-or-die set.
In order to play in the championship match, the ladies had to defeat their opponents from other campuses.
Their first game was against CapSU Sigma, then CapSU Pilar and finally CapSU Roxas City.
After winning three games, they were guaranteed a slot in the finals with a twice-to-beat advantage.
Last year, the team fell short as it landed only in third place.
After their defeat, the ladies promised to themselves that they would work hard to finally win and they succeeded.
“Excited guid kami nga magcompete this year because handum guid namon nga makabawi sa amon pagkaperde last year,” Ana Mae Estores, team captain, said.
(We were excited to compete this year because it was our dream to redeem ourselves from our loss last year.)
Though not as successful as the women’s, the men’s team took the bronze.
The men’s team composed of Laurence James Lapidez, Karl Emmanuel Anisco, Valine Marcon, Celemar Valad-on and Christian Jade Baylador failed in their own quest for gold after bowing to CapSU Roxas City in the stepladder match.
The team had a good start claiming the victory in the first set.
However, their opponents recovered in the second set and maintained the momentum of their game toward the third set.
Both the men’s and women’s teams were under the same coach.
Leo B. Pula’s first venture as a coach had been instrumental to the victory of the campus’ sepak takraw teams.
Under their new coach, the players trained hard and showed their commitment and dedication.