FAST TRACK NO. 5

By Addison Pascua

The College of Engineer ing (COE) Maroons clinched another overall championship title as they successfully bolstered their bid to defend the crown for eight consecutive years in the annual University Games (Unigames).

Amassing a total of 51.34 points in both sports and cultural events, the COE Maroons un leashed their pedigree during the tournament by reigning supreme in baseball, softball, futsal, chess, mobile legends, basketball (men), taekwondo (women), lawn tennis (men), table tennis (men), foot parade, and on-thespot painting.

Trailing behind them are this year’s champions in the cultural events, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) Rabbis who garnered 40.66 points, improving their fifth-place finish during the last edition of Unigames in 2019.

Coming in third are the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Red Lions who accumu lated a total of 36.25 overall points followed by the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) Eagles who settled for fourth place after gaining 32.74 points in the annual sporting marathon.

Likewise, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Wizards also improved their overall standing from sixth to fifth place this year as they assembled a total of 29.91 points.

Meanwhile, the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustain able Development (CAFSD) Tamaraws fell from their second-place finish in 2019 to only sixth placer this year after gaining 29.52 points.

Furthermore, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Knights

ovErAll unigAMEs titlE

glided to the sixth spot with 17.93 points while the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT) Blue Mar lins kept their eight-place finish in the last edition of Unigames three years ago.

For the first time in two years due to the COVID-19 pandem ic, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) once again

conducted its annual Unigames which kicked off on October 3 and officially concluded on Friday, October 7. Anchored on the theme, “Greatness Continues,” the 5-day event aimed to foster sportsmanship, camaraderie, and fair play as athletes and artists from the various colleges show cased their skills and abilities in

the different sports and cultural events.

The week-long sporting tour nament also served as an avenue to select the best representatives of the 18-peat-seeking MMSU in the upcoming State and Colleges Athletic Association (SCUAA) Region 1 Meet which will be held on November 21 to 25 at Pangasinan State University.

CBEA E AglEs pinCh gold, l ACErAtE CoE Fighting MAroons in BAdMinton MEn ChAMpionship

E ngaging in an extreme matchup of hitting and smashing, the tremen dous College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) Eagles lacerated their ill-fated opponent, the College of Engineering (COE) Fighting Ma roons flaunting flashy drives and smashes during the spine-tin gling Badminton Men’s Singles and Doubles Championship Game which was held at the jam-packed Mariano Marcos State Univer sity (MMSU) Student Center, on Thursday, October 6.

Right off the bat, the Eagles hotshot Jan Derick Dancel started to show his prowess in dis playing speedy smashes coupled with feints and

By Federick Abad

trick shots to taunt his enemy. Although Earl Samson of the Fighting Maroons did not fall for his traps, Dancel shuts him down quickly grab bing the first set with a 13-point difference, 21-8. The overpowered Dancel continued to dominate the match. Samson tried to outplay Dancel with his tricky plays but with Dancel’s power control in hitting and countering attacks, he was able to grab the victory out of the fans, 21-8.

Meanwhile, on the Bad minton Men’s Doubles, Vincent Lumabao and Jonald Baysal repre sented the Eagles. With their sheer power and ele vated

confidence, they were able to dominate the court, overthrowing their perennial foe. During the midst of the second set, multiple rallies were present executing hard smashes and top-notch defense mechanisms. The Fighting Maroons tried to extinguish the heat of Lumabao and Baysal but the connection and experience of the Eagles duo hailed superior ending the set, going home with the Eagles celebrating their sweet victory.

set of the 2nd Game. Tajada (11) again sowed most of the scores for their team. Utilizing his flexibility and his team’s un dying persistence, he smashed countless straights and cuts across their enemy’s court. On the other hand, Constantino and Rangan of the Eagles sprinkled the Lions with their flaming quicks and individual cuts. They also employed the use of fakes and unexpected feints, which caught the Lions off-guard. Due to how nose-tonose the game was, the Eagles and the Lions entered a deadlock 4 times in the

set, starting from 16-16, 18-18, 19-19, and finally 20-20. This deadlock was broken after Rangan sent an eye-battling spike which shook the ground and broke permanently the game of the Lions. Ran gan upped the said attack with equally powerful ones, which the Lions failed to strike back. The Lions succumbed to the overwhelming strength of the Eagles, ending the set with 20-25.

With this, the Lions grabbed the cham pionship title for this Unigame’s male Volleyball competition.

By Federick Abad

CBEA E AglEs rAzE Cit lions, sit on thronE For vollEYBAll MAlE division

By Paul Angelo Juan

Shattering

their enemy’s hope to grab hold of the championship, the CBEA Eagles trash the CIT Lions twice during their intensified men’s volleyball championship matches held at the jam-packed MMSU Cov ered Court, on October 7.

The CIT Lions wasted their twice-tobeat advantage after hopelessly losing to the CBEA Eagles in both champion ship game 1 and game 2. Disappointing the crowd, the CIT Lions were utterly destroyed by the Eagles, 3-0 in the 1st game, and 2-0 in the 2nd game, willingly giving away the championship title to the eagles.

The CBEA Eagles came strong in both games. Leading their way to victory was their opposite attacker, Lloyd Andrei Constantino (10), who managed to send countless power spikes into the enemy’s side. Aside from Constantino, another no table CBEA player who contributed much to their win is Justin Ranga (01), their team captain. These two, coupled with the rock-solid teamwork and coordination from their fellow teammates, dominated the matches.

The 1st game was supposed to roll full-length, running on 5 sets. However, the CBEA Eagles immediately cut any hopes for the CIT Lions to even get to the 4th set.

In the 1st set of game 1, the Eagles quickly showed dominance with Constan tino and Ranga continuously smashing fiery power spikes in the Lions’ den. Roniño Tejada (11) and Joshua Gabriel (12) of the CIT Lions tried stopping the other two’s attacks but always failed due to the strong pressure swirling around the ball. With this, the 1st set went out fast with nothing but points for the CIT Lions. The Lions somehow managed to also score points, but most were from service errors and block-outs from the Eagles. The 1st set ended with 25-11 on the scoreboard.

The second set was a bit better for the Lions. Tejada (11) managed to send in more than a bunch of powerful cuts with the help of his buddy, John Paul Regala (08). The duo went ahead and executed several combinations including various quicks and cross-plays. For quite some time, they gathered some points to lift their teams’ spirits. Unwavering,

the CBEA Eagles shuffled their tactics to break CIT’s building momentum. In the last few legs of the set, Constantino again smashed a flaming straight which dropped the jaw of their opponents. After that sickening attack, the CIT Lions could not score another point, ending the set with a score of 19-25.

Pressured, the Lions were desperate to score points during the last set of the 1st game and caused an uproar within the first minutes. Tejada (11) and Regala (08), with their captain, Kristoper Marc Calapao (09), showcased precise spike attacks and combined attacks which surprised the Lions momentarily. They also displayed amazing blocks ranging from single to 3-man blocks. Seeing this, the Lions again pulled out their ultimate card that is Constantino, assisted by Ivan Butac (25). Early on they killed the hopes of CIT getting a comeback. Under just a short span of 10 minutes, the Lions wid ened the gap by more than half with the fierce attacks of Constantino, Butac, and Ranga. By the end of the set, the gap was already a whopping 13 points. This ended the game, 3-0, in favor of the Eagles.

With the twice-to-beat advantage gone, the CIT Red Lions were panicking by the start of do or die game. This fueled their hunger to fight until the end.

Right off the bat, the 2nd game started with a scorching rally and consecutive exchange of spikes and blocks from both sides. Constantino, working together with Rangan, timed a quick attack, which garnered them the 1st point for the game. This was, however, immediately avenged by a sonic spike coming from Calapao of the Lions. Throughout the majority of the set, the fight was centered around Constantino, Ranga, Tejada, and Regala. When the Lions’ duo makes an attack, the other pair retaliate. For quite some this was the trend, that is until a hair-raising stack play was done by the Eagles with Constantino on the tip. With this, the Lions suffered a great blow in their flow, which affected their gameplay. The Lions were at the tail throughout the rest of the set, with a 4-5 points difference. By the end of the set, they lost to the Eagles, 25-18.

Faced with the impossible challenge of turning the tides in their favor, the CIT Lions made a comeback in the last

Intense

female bravado topped off with superiority in skills and talents, the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) Tamaraws humiliated their archrivals, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) Rabbi during the electrifying Basketball Women’s Championship Game, held at the Mari ano Marcos State University (MMSU) Covered Court, October 7.

Both teams find themselves in a toe-totoe brawl at the start of the opening salvo. Eunice Abaja and Roneth Aquino of the Tamaraws, after finding an open in Rab bi’s defense system, took the opportunity and dropped shots to boost their teams’ morale.

Riding high in fastidious speed and mixing their power game with a resolute floor defense, Reeye Agreda’s early dom ination led the Rabbi to catch up with the Tamaraws showcasing multiple floaters and drives. However, Steffany Gallego and Abaja’s iron wall defense stopped the Rabbi to keep up the score, 10-5.

During the course of the first quarter, Agreda’s floater and lay-up shots contrib uted to the teams’ score in order to recov er the turnovers from the early hail. With swarming defense and offense techniques, Althea Capiña of Tamaraws pushes her team to vanquish their opponents, 15-10.

Tamaraws find themselves in a close match as they exchange shots. Capiña led the tamaraws followed by Jahmila Cudal showering their solid offense and defense mechanism. Rabbi on the other hand was led by the flashy Agreda executing her bullet speed-like drives and crossovers.

With 53 seconds remaining, Agre da decided to gamble a pass from the long side of the court after Tamaraws double-teamed her as she is going in for a

drive. Miraculously, Justine Kyla Pascual of Rabbi’s was there to receive the ball and go for a free lay-up reducing the score to a 3-point gap, 19-16.

In the second quarter, Agreda kicks off with a fade-away shot to close in the gap, 19-18. However, the dynamic Capiña of Tamaraws retrieves the 2-points as she goes for a floater combined with a board shot from Baby Ann Arellano making the Rabbi take a timeout, 23-18.

During the continuation of the second quarter, Pascual quickly dashes in to execute a lay-up but the towering height of Capiña blocked her shot denying the Rabbi to score a point. With 4 minutes remaining, the power boosted Capiña tackles inside Rabbi’s defense blazed off with an astounding euro step but failed to perfect the move. As she gets the re bound, she launches in the air performing a drop shot and recovers from the folded move ending the quarter, 38-18.

Backed up with determination, the Tamaraws continued to wreak havoc until the end of the fourth quarter as they un leash bomb packages of 2-point shots and lay-ups. The Rabbi’s tried to quench their thirst for victory but the gritty defense of the Tamaraws accompanied by their turnovers and missed shots prevented them from scoring. As time is running out, Angel Laru-an of Rabbi managed to get a jump shot that added 2-points to their scoreboard.

The quarter ended with a 54-20 in fa vor of the dazzling Tamaraws and blasted the hopeless Rabbi straight to cloud nine.

Chosen players will take pride and represent MMSU at the upcoming and most-awaited State Colleges and Uni versities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Region 1 this coming November.

SPIKE. CBEA players fly like eagles in the volleyball court making them the winners in the thrilling match, October 7, 2022.

Photo by Crisdeniele Clemente

STEAL! CAFSD Lady Tamaraw tries to point amidst offenses by Rabbis in the court, October 7, 2022.

Photo by Crisdeniele Clemente

thE MAroon

EXpl Aining nAstYDY

By Neil Bryant Baliao

The Mariano Marcos State University Games or Unigames 2022 culmination has fin ished. With the final overall score released, the Maroons of the College of Engineering is—once again for the 8th time—leading the charts. The domina tion of COE in sports is not any more shocking because, over the past eight years of Unigames, the throne and trophy remained stained with the color maroon.

It is also not surprising that in every fearless forecast ever, the notion that the sole reason for the long-running reign of Maroons is the extended retention of engineering students in the college. But does a year advantage really a trump card in the field of sports?

In the retention policy of the univer sity, a maximum of 6 year-residency is imposed for 4-year degree programs and 7 for 5-year degree programs. This indi cates that if there is an age advantage, it will only range to a negligible 2-year gap.

In the professional world of sports, the usual age bracket ranges from 18 to 40. Furthermore, another reference would be the age bracket requirement of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the Philippines which is limited to 24 years old, or athletes should not be 25 years old by the end of the season.

Looking in-depth at it, if these national athletic organizations do not see an advantage in age gaps, then it only justifies that the age advantage

n E il E d it

of COE Maroons is not a major factor in their reign. Moreso, it does not assure that if a player is older, they are more experienced in their field. Withal, athletes may be older but with less experience, and vice versa.

Highlighting the case of Bobby Ray Parks, a basketball player at the National University, he was only 18 years old when he was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the UAAP 74th season in 2011.

Contrary to popular opinion, there is a more convincing notion that rational izes the unexplainable reign of COE Maroons—the history and link between sports and men.

Men’s skill, interest, and involvement in sports are undebatable. They would line up for hours to watch their favorite sports idol, and even be willing to play their sport ‘til midnight on the court. The domination of men in the field of sports is very evident in history. Sports were only played by men in the early times because the mechanics are primarily executing hitting, kicking, and throwing a ball-like object. Early mechanics are very similar to hunting; the role that historians claim to be played by men.

Concurrently, it is a fact that the num ber of men in the field of engineering is high. In the Philippines, 5 out of 7 engineers are male according

to the statistics of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) which sug gests that students in engineering courses are also dominated by men. This number is also true and reflected in the MMSU College of Engineering as the halls of COE are filled with male students.

Also, with the massive and growing population of the College of Engineering of MMSU, the chance of acquiring high ly skilled athletes is extremely high.

From here, it is safe and calculated to

assume that the major factor of COE Ma roons’ untouchable supremacy is the fact that engineering programs are dominated by men along with the distinct history of connection of men in sports and their huge population of students and not by a year or two advantage in age. College of Engineering is indeed the College of Champs for they were able to defend the crown for eight straight years.

ChEErs, ChuMs!

By Ian Paul Villanueva

There is no denying that basketball is the most popular sport among Filipinos. In my belief, its popularity can be credited to its ubiquity. Its prevalence makes it so accessible hence, playable and relatable for many. Imagine if each barangay had a tennis court or swimming pool instead of basketball courts. What would the sport ing landscape in the country look like? I bet there wouldn’t be a Philippine Basketball As sociation (PBA). Or if by chance there would be one, then it would not be as popular.

Quite obviously, the availability of a sport can mean traction among the masses. And when and where there’s time and place to play it, there will be players. Unfortunately, facilities and tournaments that cater to sports many consider as more winnable against other nationalities—e.g., gymnastics or athletics—are not as available.

In Ilocos Norte, basketball courts are everywhere. Compare that with the number of, say, badminton or volleyball courts, the difference is considerable. The result? Every barangay has at least one basketball team and holds, on average, one tournament yearly. There is nothing wrong with this of course, except that the odds of winning an Olympic medal in basketball are much less likely compared to say, weightlifting, athletics, or gymnastics.

The likes of Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena, and Carlos Yulo have proven this more than

once—athletes who, with enough training and support, succeeded internationally. That goes without saying that the more resources poured into a sport, the more successful its athletes will be. And that it would be a wiser and more efficient use of government resources to fund other, newer sporting events commensurately if the end goal anyway is to win more in higher-level competitions. Or, in MMSU’s case, to de fend its 17-year streak as overall Champion in the SCUAA-I meet come November this year.

And here is the part where I think the Center for Human Movement Studies (CHuMS) of the university did not fall short: it pushed through with the Unigames 2022 despite the short time for preparation. With the thought of readying our representatives to the SCUAA-I well enough, the select student-athletes who will compete in the regional meet will have around six weeks to train.

Add to that the addition of Arnis, Poom sae, and Esports. The inclusion of these events in the Unigames not only signals the growing interest of students in sports other than the usual ones but also indicates the seriousness of the university when it comes to hosting and making available such sports to its students.

I’ll make a bold prediction here, by November, MMSU will bring home its 18th championship trophy from the SCUAA-I meet in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Though, unless the university wants to lose its longheld dominance in the region in the next few years, it should keep its streak of adding more sports events in the Unigames and allot even more funds to its conduct in the years to come so as to make more opportu nities to produce even higher quality athletes. But while we are not in Lingayen yet, Cheers, CHuMS!

Graziel Mae Ramat

Anne Umali

Andres

Sheena Alyssa Pajo

Sabong

James

Ped

Rodge Carl Vea

Aira Nadine Pascua

Carmela Jasmin Ramiro

Nicholai Aganus

McGuiller Barruga

Lloyd Balantac

Erika Eclarin

Clemente

Christian Heaven Barruga David Acacio Jirah Failano Moyrah Shaina Colobong Lujean Guieb Casmir Remyell Cadiente

MAroons rip thE tAMArAws, prE vEnt titlE rEpEAt

By Marc Louie Pasion

The COE Fighting Maroons finished their playoff run with a bang as they dethroned the CAFSD Tamaraws, outlasting them twice during the Unigames 2022 Basketball Men Tournament held last October 7 at the MMSU covered court..

The Fighting Maroons survived and thrived in the lower bracket after they experienced a heartbreaking loss to the Tamaraws earlier in the tournament.

CAFSD, on the other hand, gained a twice to beat advantage after defeating CBEA Eagles, CIT Red Lions, and the Maroons in the upper bracket.

The first do-or-die game for COE saw the team fumbling the ball at times, leaving CAFSD no choice but to finish at the fast break and setting up the tempo of the ball game.

Benedict Bautista, the sharpshooter for COE, kept the team alive with his accurate long-distance three pointers, finishing with a point ahead of CAFSD at halftime, 35-34.

While the first half of the game featured defensive stops from both of the teams, the succeeding quarters showcased the offensive firepower they possess, trading buckets for buckets and both eager to finish coast-to-coast.

The perimeter offense briefly cooled down for the Maroons, leading to CAFSD finishing on the break, this time around pulling ahead, 55-48, thanks to their seasoned veteran, Maiko Bumagat leading the charge for the green team.

By the 4th quarter, Bumagat cannot seem to miss as he extended the lead to 10 after his step back threepoint shot. With 5 minutes left remaining on the game, the championship trophy seems to be heading back to the Tamaraws, who won it last Unigames 2019.

The Maroons, however, had a different plan. Putting Bautista back in the game, COE scored two straight points to cut the lead to 6.

CAFSD tried to slow down the tempo to waste time as much as possible, but they came up empty-handed with each possession. COE used these errors from the opposite side to take the lead, 66-65.

As the game clock was winding down to the last minute, Vhinz Sabado, the starting point guard of the Maroons, found Bautista on an island, and Bautista rises up over his defender to sink the dagger, ending with a score of 65-71, forcing another game.

With Bumagat resting for the first half of the second game, the fate of the Tamaraws lied on Tonton Palo mares, who took over ball handling duty and filling the gap left by their veteran.

This time around, COE found their groove behind Albrim Dalmacio’s 3-pointers, knocking down two before getting injured after landing awkwardly, briefly sidelining him for the game.

Meanwhile, Palomares continued to feed the ball to his backcourt duo, Dexter Lumabao, as his mid-range jumpers seem to be getting the COE defenders offguard.

Knocking down free throws was one of the prob lems that the Maroons faced during this game. With this, Sabado evened their weakness with good ball movement, as knocking down jump shots away from the basket was the focal point of their offense.

With the modern offense at the palm of their hand, COE gets a slight two-point lead at halftime, 34-32.

Bumagat enters back into the game for the Tamaraws as the game winds down to its crucial mo ments. He nails down back-to-back threes for them, countering the inside presence of COE by isolating one of their defensive presence behind the 3-point line.

By the 4th quarter, the Maroons took turns in knocking down their perimeter shots as Sabado and Dalmacio knocked down a barrage, stirring an 11-2 run.

Bumagat again shows wonders as he collapses the Maroons’ defenders with multiple crossovers that resemble Dallas Maverick’s superstar, Luka Doncic. With a slow shot release, he cuts the lead to two, giving his team a symbol of hope as the crowd erupts with the words “Go, CAFSD! Fight, fight, CAFSD!”

The yells from CAFSD’s side gets silenced shortly afterwards, as the frontcourt of the Maroons continu ously attacked the interior, led by Lucky Austria, their starting center.

With a 76-70 score line, the crowd of COE was ready to converge into the center court, but Wilendrie Gonzales knocked down one last three before the shot clock expired to cut the gap of the final score to 76-73.

COE finished 1st in the tournament, adding 25 points to their tally, while CAFSD settles for 2nd place with 15 points.

lAdY MAroons sEizE titlE, ovErpowEr lAdY knights in BAdMinton

By Federick Abad

Shattering

their enemy’s hope to grab hold of the championship, the CBEA Eagles trash the CIT Lions twice during their intensified men’s volleyball championship match es held at the jam-packed MMSU Covered Court, on October 7.

Fast and fiery Shaira de la Cruz of the Lady Maroons kicked off with a faulty start as Chelsylon Pugat of the Lady Knights began pummeling astounding smashes combined with drop shots that created a huge gap of 5-points at the start of the opening salvo. Different series of points continued to display throughout the set. De la Cruz tried to break through but the tenacious Pugat showcased con stant game sense superiority winning the first set, 21-11.

Breaking the limits, Pugat’s nonstop havoc was sustained until the midst of the second set. Showcasing smash attacks and retaliating some of her placings, Pugat’s playing capacity whitewashed De la Cruz’s playstyle led to her downfall, 21-10.

Meanwhile, at the Badminton Women’s Doubles, Jhel Tumamao and Lyza Ag amanos of Lady Maroons started an early rampage contributing a quick 6-point advantage. With unbeatable drive and drop shots, the Lady Maroons power duo added another 6-point win streak making their opponents grasping for breath, 21-8.

The second barrage came in with a close fight. They find themselves in rallies driving in backhand attacks and tricky placings. Service errors were also present during their brawl but with the cohesive strength of the Lady Knights, they were able to break through the rally, turning the table in their favor and ending the set with a 21-17.

As the decision set breaks in, errors stopped the Lady Knights from domi nating the court. Showering powerful play and fast reflexes, the Lady Maroons’ sisterhood connection matched up to their rivals’ abilities making them fight in a deuce round. In the end, the Lady maroons snatched the victory scoring a 16-18.

Since both teams are tied with a 1-1 score, a match between their second single will determine who will be hailed as champions.

FOR THREE! A Maroon aims for three point score in a rip-roaring match with the Tamaraws, October 7, 2022.

Photo by John Lloyd Balantac

Knitting out diverse skills and tal ents, Lhea Mae Ladip of Lady Maroons starts off flaunting flick shots and smash assaults to take over the early round. However, Mariano Daclan of Lady Knights was able to defend her ground giving back a combination of nick shots and drives seizing the first set, 22-20.

The furious Ladip showcases agile plays mixed with complex placings to

recover from the last set. She denied some of her opponent smashes and fake attacks, swerving her opponent to the ground and altering the set to her favor, 21-18.

Right off the bat, hitters find themselves in a close battle as they exchange hits during the decision set. During the course of a series of give-and-take attacks, Ladip found opportunities that made her break

through the rallies taking the set, 15-13.

Due to the twice-to-beat advantage of the CHS Lady Knights, the COE Lady Maroons were forced to clash for another game and finally seal their spot. Despite the powering intensity of the COE Lady Maroons during the first game, their grip on the title was not tight enough to make the CHS Lady Knights conquer the Bad minton Championship Game.

Cit rEd lions survivE tough CustoMEr, sEizE gold AF tEr long run vErsus C oE MAroons

By Benedict Jay Collado

After two grueling face-offs with five full sets in the final match, the mighty College of Industrial Technologies (CIT) Red Lions roared their greatness until the last breath to emerge as champions.

The Red Lions relied heavily on their stron ger offense before registering eight unanswered blows in the end game to counter the College of Engineering (COE) Maroons and finally finish off with a tight 2-0 win (3-2: 17-25, 25-22, 25-15, 2624, 15-7; 3-2: 25-19, 25-27, 19-25, 25-20, 16-14) during the Volleyball Women Finals of the Unig ames on Friday, October 7 at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Open Court.

Despite wasting their twice-to-beat advantage in the first match and almost collapsing in the second match, the Red Lions survived both the enemy’s firm floor defense and their support system as the court was almost surrounded by COE studs in both of their matches.

But the game is within the court, and the lion esses roared louder which made them clinch the title.

“What we just did is counter the floor defense of our opponent and further strengthen our offense since our offense is better than them, so we just have to carefully place our plays and win it,” said winning coach Carina Dela Cruz in a post-game interview.

In the first match held this morning, the Lions fell right into their enemy’s traps as they suc cumbed early with almost nothing to do. Their

start, however, was tight as they fought head-on, but as the emerging Maroons established their game, the Lions were pinned to and had a hard time coping up, 25-17 in favor of the Maroons.

Then the Red Lions led by captain Miah Liezel Cabel came in to lift the squad in the second set, nailing big points with her clean plays to seize the lead most of the time before yielding to the error-prone Maroons, hacking the set and tying the series scores to 1, 25-22.

But the Maroons are persistent as they never backed down after their star player Kathleen Montarum led her team to rally their momentum and clinch two more sets against the Red Lions through their clean floor defense, sealing the deal in the first match and destroying their enemy’s advantage, 25-12 in the third and 15-7.

The Red Lions, meanwhile, fell short of sus taining the point haul that they established in the fourth set after posting 26-2, which made them lose the round.

But the game is not yet over.

With high hopes of finally winning the game with them as victors, the Red Lions as Cabel, teaming with the towering Janah Mae Calaranan came in to lift the squad with their good rotation, having attackers in both the front and back line.

It was a good start for the Red Lions as they relied on their strong placings and difficult plays coupled with Cabel framing ten big points in the first set alone. Their 14-9 lead became the starting

point of having a manageable margin against the Maroons, 25-19 by the end of the first set.

In the second set, their brilliance continued as they immediately posted a tough match, but Maroons’ Montarum showed many errors after her unsuccessful blows, pulling in the eager Lions to flaunt their attacks. But captain Shaquea Jaira Zafaralla and Keziah Mae Pablo of the Maroons covered their teammate’s lost points, extending the second quarter and snatching it with a 27-25 count, and they furthered it until the third set with a 25-19 win.

The Maroons continued their rally in the fourth set, posting a 9-2 count immediately, but with the help of Cabel, the Red Lions delivered a 4-0 run for a lead change before bringing bigger points with their 13-1 run en route, 17-14 with them in the upper hand, prolonging their momentum until the end of the set, 25-20.

The deciding set was a crucial encounter for both teams but determined Cabel spearheaded the Lions to unleash their might, but the Maroons squeaked past and claimed the lead, 9-7, before almost bringing the match to an end, 14-8.

But the game changer is just starting.

The crucial point combined with the loud cheers of the Maroon’s added up to Calaranan as she serves, but with the help of Cabel and her team’s swift moves, the Red Lions courageously flared an 8-0 run that completed their survival game before finally seizing the championship title, 16-14.

FREE BALL. Maroons strategically defends spikes from the Lions and end up victorious in the stirring battle, October 7, 2022

Photo by Dannah Eclarin

The Unigames of the Mariano Marcos State University is one the most awaited events different colleges from different campuses gather together to celebrate and face classes are suspended, so of course, it is the perfect moment to take a break Roaring yells and cheers. Booming drums and melodic metallophones. Colorful basically a feast inside the university, a kind of tradition that everyone celebrates. all students and faculties of the different colleges. I have always First, you will feel it–the vibration of the ground, a big hoard of something gallops, the echoing neighs–a hungry cry for victory... And then you’ll with their weapons and armor, holding their emblems with pride as they horn engulfs the whole arena... they stood firmly on their stances, Of course, it is just sweat and tears that flood the university. Buckets just from the beaten teams but as well as from the hailed victors–and after two years of missing It never changed–the spirit of valor and camaraderie; the one strives altogether for victory; especially the hard parts–the athletes, the managers and organizers, the medics, the scoreboard members,

It is heartwarming to witness friendships under shared laid under the shade of trees. It feels nostalgic games experience during my freshman year, and university, I am thankful to be able to experience both old and new found people

We were once like them–unbothered by witness our team hit a home run. We were yelled until our throats were sore We were once like them, and still like the unigames and make Comparing then and now, some the spirit of the university remains the same. It is not competing against each champions. It is also about formed, and lessons sportsmanship, integrity.

events that the Stallions are looking forward to annually. It is one of the times when the face each other in the different fields of sports. It is a week-long program wherein break and seize the moment of freedom from our academic responsibilities. flaglets and even banderitas; a variety of food and drinks sold in stalls–it’s celebrates. It started with a foot parade to the university oval participated by always imagined this part too much like the one in the movies. something approaching. Then you’ll hear it–the strong hooves and the powerful see them–the mighty Stallions in different colors approaching, along they enter the gates of the battleground of honor... When the first stances, and with their loudest cry... the games have officially begun. Buckets of sweat from the athletes and spectators, tears–not victors–and this is one of the things that did not change even missing the university games. enthusiasm and excitement… It never changed–how everywork and unity. You can see everyone playing their own the student councils, the student press, the volunteer and even the men with cameras… shared umbrellas and the peace within picnic mats every time I reminisce about my first university and now, two years later, in my last year in the experience it again and store core memories with people in my university life. by the scorching heat of the sun just to were once like them–who cheered and just to lift the spirits of everyone. like them, who inhale the spirit of it live in our systems. things may have changed; but games among the stallions not just about the colleges each other for the title of about new bonds being lessons being learned–sportsmanship, humility, and integrity.

lchemist

ByWarrenRaciles

We are the champions in our own battles.

We may fall and lose everything over and over.

Restarted with nothing, over and over.

Hence everyone took a chance on our weakness over and over.

Yet, we stand our ground.

And so each painful fall became another lesson

Another chance to use the tiny fragments of lights etched in our path

As long as we fight we never lose.

We are the champions in our own battles.

No matter how strong or weak that storm coming in, We forecast and are always ready to push through it.

There is no such thing as a wrong decision and choices

As long as we make them right.

Account of the events during the great battle, as told by scribes of Sirmutus:

Right before the dawn of the battle’s first day slowly kindled the sky, mist tinted with blood and horror already covered the land – accounts say that one can taste the iron from the air’s brewing bloodlust. The eight kingdoms, ready and equipped, marched their armies, their generals, and their bannermen through the land of excellence to meet at its center, an open field where all past battles commenced and ended, a field drowned in volumes of blood, a field witness to every pierce the swords made, a field where all the slain bodies decayed– the oval of dread. Yet without a slight of fear or dread, flaunting their colors and sigils the eight armies sang their hymns proudly as they enter the oval, their thunderous footsteps shaking the ground beneath them, their deafening cries stroking the spirit inside them.

For this time they are more than ready to kill – and even more ready to die

Right when the mist abated and the sun climbed to its highest point, the eight kingdoms revealed their presence and armies’ glory under sterling light.

The lions of Siatee entered the field roaring with tenacity, evident was its huge army whose numbers when viewed from the heavens painted the soil bright red –like the blood that will be spilled by this hungry pride of beasts.

The Marlins of Kassath arrived from the seas carrying its spirit of destruction and ruin. Their boldness and grit overshadowed their numerical disadvantage. Despite their handicap, they are not afraid to lock eyes with all their foes.

The Wizards of Kass wearing their witch hats summoned all their covens and brethren. Their magic conjured fireballs and infernos setting the land ablaze even more. It is believed that it’s because of their curses that the heat was able to claim the first casualties. Impervious to the heat are the warriors of Caffesty. Riding their humble beasts the Tamaraws, they trekked to the field hungry for today they graze not their usual grass but the bodies of the warriors that will fall from their blades.

The Knights of Sieches marched to the battleground with impeccable formation. Banging their swords to their shields and their boots to the ground, these hardened warriors walked with honor and candor – after all health is on their side. Then a high-pitched whistling sound came from the sky which led everybody on the ground to look up. The Eagles of Sibea dove to the ground, gliding on top of their wingless foes. Their avian warriors proudly open their wings showcas ing to everyone their dazzling might.

When rabbis with their golden robes flocked together, it was as if the sun finally found its rival. With great numbers, they rise up demanding that the crown fittingly belongs to them.

Their luminous attire served as their mark, their vow that this year’s glory will finally be theirs.

The seven armies are formidable indeed. Their strength is fortified only with their illustrious splendor. Their tenacity is only bolstered by their consuming desire. Worthy of praise, they are – that is undeniable. But, there is just something about the aura of kings that makes one shiver, whether it is because of fear, respect, or awe, when the king in maroon entered the battlefield, the land of excellence became filled with a sense of urgency – that is they must give everything on their arsenal and ten times over, or else this king will reign another day.

The king’s march was not like the others, instead of showing his might, the extent of his power, and his armies’ dominion over the land, the king determined that those were already pretty obvious. So he went to the site where he last defended his crown – not with an imperious demeanor, but rather, a parade of celebra tion. His generals did not mount armored horses, but decorated elephants. His foot soldiers set aside their swords to carry trumpets, drums, and lyres – singing songs not of encouragement but of glorious triumph. The other seven armies took notice of the king’s arrogance, so they vow with more intent – the king will fall today.

With all eight kingdoms present on all sides of the dreadful field, the air became constricted with the irresistible thirst for blood oozing from everyone. Their heads filled with images of themselves decapitating their foes, cutting armor like carving cake, and one even taking delight in pulling human intestines to “make a belt out of human flesh”. Horrid are these thoughts – to the common folk, yes, but to hardened warriors ready to die, there is no other greater delight.

The war is ready to begin, but who should strike first blood? A troubling thought, they say warriors are so brimming with pride that one wouldn’t dare charge first, for it is a sign of weakness – ironic isn’t it? Thankfully, there were armies composed of folks other than egoistic meatheads, the ones who woke the battlefield were non-other than –the wizards. Sources say it happened when a certain head sorcerer amplified his voice with magic and began dissing everyone. His voice reached even the hidden corners of the land, his insults echoed through everyone’s bones. From the color of skin to the age of kings, to corruption, and disgustful secrets, that certain wizard blew the already raging fire in everyone’s hearts into a bursting tempestuous pillar of flames. There a voice from whom unknown erupted with a grudge, “CHARGE” – the word that started bloodshed.

So like the old-fashioned warfare, everybody charged. In just mere seconds no grass, no soil, no rock inside the oval of dread was seen from above. Warriors with only the color of their sigils distinguishing them from the others rushed toward their foes and attempted to color the swords red faster than anyone else. It was complete utter chaos, in the history of all battles, it was unlike anything the land of excellence had ever seen.

Wizards with eyes gouged, knights burning with inextinguishable blue flame, tamaraws pierced with fishing hooks – any scenario of atrocity or any form of death that you can imagine, probably happened that day.

PERPERTUAL

We are the heroes of ourselves. Always changing for a better ver sion of us

For we are the

As the battle rages on, the shouts coming from the field grow weaker and weaker and weaker… while the horrid smell grows more pungent and pungent and pungent…

The Marlins were the first to fall, proving to everyone that courage alone shall never be enough. Though their hooks, their spears, and harpoons are effective in killing the beasts of the sea, it was proven that they cannot pierce the metal suits of knights and the thick hides of lions. Conquering the land is futile when the sea breeze is weak – to the fallen Marlins may you find your way back to the sea.

The Knights also faltered from their cause. Their armor though sturdy, making them top-heavy and slow, unable to compete with their swift adversaries. The strength of the beasts of the other kingdoms eas ily crumpled their defense. The king in maroon handed them costly defeats, reminding them that knights are mere service men, subjects to the one holding the crown.

The honorable knights are honored not anymore – to the fallen Knights may you find honor in swearing fealty.

Warped Unbroken

ByJaysonSabong

StallionLine

Those unexpected acts of deterrence, harmonized with the inhumane words of judgment. Those blabbering mouth with unconscious under standing, play the cards of insolence; abusing student’s right and willpower, practicing the magic of prejudice.

cape or eradicate insolence, when those dim-witted minds lost their understand ing?

Such tolerance must be embraced through under standing, annihilating the hideous act of prejudice. But with the threat of insolence, and social stigma is brought by deterrence— unequal view is defined in every judgment, targeting the student’s unguarded willpower.

Stallions’ resilience are tested with their willpower; bringing the spirit of oneness and understanding. Yet still ignored by a cruel judgment, as challenges are heavier with pounds of prejudice; they continue to suffer in dilemma and deterrence, adding the spice of insoluble insolence.

But perseverance prevail over insolence; through the earnest desire of their real willpower. In an environment full of biases and deterrence, many still rise with remarkable understanding. Despite the continuous rise of prejudice, there lies the truth beyond equal judgment.

The Tamaraws of Caffesty were ridden by the warriors of Caff when they entered the battlefield, sadly no tamaraws were ridden back nor seen when the battle was over. Their fall from grace was one of the most unexpected results of the war. The humble tamaraws were always one of the kingdoms that lasts till the war’s end, today they were butchered and devoured by every other kingdom. Today not only their crops but even their own meat filled the stomachs of their predators – to the fallen Tamaraws of Caffesty may your toils on your farmlands be more fruitful than your efforts on this battlefield.

With the other kingdoms’ fall, the wizards of Kass, the eagles of Sibea, the lions of Siatee, and the rabbis of Sitiee, are all within reach of taking the king’s crown.

As the wizards of Kass continue their onslaught their magic consistently diminishes. Blazing are these sorcerers at the start of the war, but alas, as the battle reaches its conclusion their flames dwindle to dim sparks. Their loss to the rabbis in the battle of the culture and the arts reduced their battle power. With their voices weak and their arms unable to extend once more, the wizards, about to tell their final spell, were pierced by a spear to the throat, effectively ending their hopes – to the fallen Wizards of Kass may you take pride in admitting defeat, for victory was never yours.

Near the conflict’s end, fatigue finally caught up to the lords of the sky. Burned out due to their contin uous flight, they took their rest to the land hoping to recover, to hopefully soar again. Yet an arrow to the chest ended the eagle’s wish of rising above. As it was preparing to soar the king in maroon and the beasts of the land handed the avian warriors defeat both expected and abrupt. When its wings were crippled and its feather fell, the once swift eagle became easily targeted exposing a flesh that can be easily pierced. To the land. the lords of the sky – to the fallen eagles may you find humility under the heavens as your pride that reaches the clouds is no more.

And belief remained as Stallions’ center of judg an attribute in penetrating insolence. As impartiality condemns and withstands prejudice, the students’ characters shine through their will

Possessing the value of resilience and understanding, uplifting hope in the face of adversity and deterrence.

And what is prejudice when prudence and wisdom

In society’s true form, deterrence is not absolute so

For the people’s individuality radiates willpower and

The last three kingdoms met in the field still filled with determination but burdened with exhaustion. A standoff of the best empires is as climactic as can be, after all the crown only fits one head. The king in maroon looked at his opponents and saw two monsters that are hard to slay, meanwhile, the two kingdoms only looked at the king in maroon, a prey they both want to kill so intently that they are willing to team up and share the spoils. So both of the kingdoms attacked the king at the same time. The ferocious lion charged the king, confident that its bite will tear the man in half, while the prudent rabbi, aware of his strengths, hid its dagger and sneaked from behind. The king in maroon stood at the center, though weary he fixed his stance to ready his defense. Just as the two were about to reach him the king jumped with all his might, evading the creatures below him. As he falls to the ground, he positions his sword aiming at the lion’s spine, his stroke ending the beast’s life. The lion’s countless wounds crippled its reflexes, his hasty attack led to his ultimate defeat. – to the Lions of Sitiee may your royal highness finally learn to bow to your human masters, and may your cage bring you comfort as the jungle you once called home.

After slaying the beast the king looked for his last opponent. As he was about to turn his head, he felt a jolt of pain in his back, the rabbi stabbed him successfully. Successful was the stab, but as a death blow – I’m afraid not. The learned rabbi was quick to notice, he knew that his strength was not enough to end the hardened king. “If only I went for the head”. “If only I sliced his throat,” thoughts of regret flooded his mind. As he looked at the maroon king standing while his knife was still embedded in his back, he realized how unfathomable the creature in front of him really is. Fearful for his life, he made a calculated decision to run and hide, to regroup and plan again. While the rabbi has a plethora of schemes, the gods have plans of their own. As the rabbi ran, he was tripped by the legs of a tamaraw’s corpse – the same one he remember killing earlier.

The king in maroon chased the rabbi with blood-filled lust, and he caught up. With his strength regained only from his kingly will, from his royal blood he mustered power. With both hands he lifted his heavy sword and with a loud scream he plunged it through the rabbi’s heart, cementing his legacy, sealing his victory – to the fallen Rabbis may you find your golden cloaks comfortable as you sleep crownless tonight.

And as the day nears its end, the king in maroon knelt on a hilltop. With a heavy sigh, he looked down, er it is to recognize the strength of the foes he is just slain or a showing of his utter disappointment for his enemies’ defeat– the king only knows the answer. One thing is for sure though, and it was revealed by his smirk… the king rejoices for winning the hard-fought war.

With not much of a surprise from his citizens, the king in maroon successfully defended his crown and successfully attained his perpetual legacy.

Eight times the great battle commenced, eight times he went home with severed heads, his cloak marooned by the blood of thousands – to the King in Maroon, the champion, the sovereign, the king of the land. May your reign be as long as the earth, may your breath be as strong as the wind, may glory shine as bright as the noon time sun.

LEGACY

To the most glorious and decorated king, the scribes of Sirmutus gladly congratulate your victory. Long live the king!

ComicbyAbijahBarruga

OVERALL TALLY

FOR SPORTS EVENTS

LIST OF SPORTS LIST OF TEAMS POINTS

I. SPORTS EVENTS

COE CAS CIT CTE CASAT CHS CAFSD CBEA

Athletics - Men 20 0 30 0 5 0 15 10

Athletics - Women 10 5 20 15 0 0 30 0

Swimming - Men 10 2 15 0 5 0 25 0

Swimming - Women 2 0 25 5 0 0 15 10

Basketball - Men 25 0 10 2 5 0 15 0

Basketball - Women 10 2 0 0 0 5 0 0

Volleyball - Men 5 0 15 10 0 2 0 0

Volleyball - Women 0 0 25 5 0 0 2 10

Baseball - Men 25 0 0 0 15 2 5 10

Softball - Women 25 0 2 10 15 0 0 5

Soccer - Men 5 0 25 0 0 10 15 2

Sepak Takraw - Men 5 0 25 10 2 0 15 0

Taekwondo - Men 2 20 0 5 0 0 15 10

Taekwondo - Women 20 2 0 10 0 15 0 5

Badminton - Men 10 7 5 2 0 0 0 15

Badminton - Women 10 5 0 7 0 15 0 2

Lawn Tennis - Men 15 5 7 2 0 0 0 10

Lawn Tennis - Women 10 0 2 7 0 15 0 5

Table Tennis - Men 15 2 0 10 0 0 7 5

Table Tennis - Women 2 10 0 7 0 5 0 15

Chess - Men 15 7 2 5 0 0 0 10

Chess - Women 15 5 0 0 0 10 2 7

Beach Volleyball - Men 2 7 15 0 0 5 10 0

Beach Volleyball - Women 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Futsal - Women 15 0 20 10 2 0 0 5

Arnis - (Non-Traditional) Men 3 0 5 10 0 0 0 0

Arnis - (Non-Traditional) Men* 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 0

Arnis - (Non-Traditional) Women 7 10 0 5 0 3 0 1

Mobile Legends - Men 20 10 5 0 0 0 2 15

Pomsae - Men 5 7 0 10 0 0 0 3

Pomsae - Women 7 0 0 0 0 10 0 0

Dance Sports (Latin) 10 0 0 7 0 0 0 15

Dance Sports (Standard) 10 7 0 0 0 0 0 15