Region 7 hauls five more golds in PRISAA

CEBU, Philippines - Central Visayas ended its quest for glory in the 2009 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games with five more golds in Naga City yesterday.

The power squad composed of Lindley Fran Navaja, Anthony Santillan, Dharl Pitogo, and Jorge Pinanong swept all golds in relay events they joined, with the last one coming from the 4 x 200m relay in athletics competition.

Jude Thaddeus Rivera and Leo Abello, on the other hand, came up with a one-two finish in the 10K walk.

Rey Richard Custodio made sure he won’t leave Naga without a medal by bagging silver in the javelin throw with a 52.35-meter mark, while Miscelle Gibuena grabbed a bronze from the women’s 10K run.

Overall in athletics, Region 7 raked in a total of 17 golds, the best haul they got in many years.

The badminton and table tennis squads also delivered the goods.

James Rizon and Jed Sumalinog of coach Solito Flores won the men’s doubles gold in badminton, while Monyeen Armecin and Jam-jam Culiamat reigned supreme in the distaff side.

Clint Armamento settled for silver in the singles event after losing to Jun-Jun Dimarucot of the University of the East in the final round.

In table tennis, an all-University of Cebu women’s team won the gold for the first tie, while its men’s team settled for silver.

“This is the first time we won the gold in the women’s team competition that had a solid UC lineup. They deserve it well as they really put in their heart and soul into our training,” said coach Jessica Jawad-Honoridez.

In the unofficial medal count, Central Visayas has amassed 33 golds, 20 silvers and 27 bronzes going into the final day of action. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)