Wizards miss the 3-peat, Warriors claim gold in women’s sepak takraw

By Jomar G. Manabilang

Following a round-robin format, the SBM Eagles, ArtScies Tigers, Med Wolves, NSG Pythons, and Eng’g Warriors squared off to claim as the new champions in women’s sepak takraw on Feb 25 at the XU Gymnasium. Defenseless with their back-to-back championship title, the lack of players hindered the CCS Wizards from participating.

The battle began with Eagle Kyla Wong’s service ace. With Warriors Paguntalan’s dink serves and kicks, the Eagles were challenged to receive and dig, pushing their advantage continuously. Wong responded with two consecutive heroic aces but held back in the latter part of the set as the feeder tossed the ball short, forcing the last serve to go beyond the lines. This secured the first set in favor of the tribe, 21-12. As the second set was underway, the heat of the match was felt around the gymnasium as both teams gave their best performance, extending the set to 20-all. In a class of her own, Wong prompted her teammates as she shouted, “Atoa ni!” The Eagles then scored the last two points through a service ace and a kick after a dauntless dug of the last attempt of the Warriors. In the end, the Eagles’ claws grasped the set, 22-20.

The last and deciding set was perfectly framed to show intensity at court. Despite the pressure of a double-digit lead in favor of the Warriors, the Eagles were eager to fight back and maintained momentum. Warriors then called a time-out to remind them to refocus and take a point one at a time. Warriors Math Paguntalan, Rica Asas, Carmela Velasco, and Rolette Gamos were intent on slaying the Eagles, claiming their last point through a ferocious kick in an electrifying rally and declared champions, 21-12, 20-22, 21-12.

The Warriors were triumphant in sealing the gold medal. Despite the early wins, the Eagles clasped silver while the Tigers secured their bronze medals.C