Cebu starts strong in RCG

CEBU, Philippines - Kennick Alivio of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) started the fire burning for Team Cebu City as he bagged the first gold in the Regional Collegiate Games (RCG) yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

The Bisdaks made an impressive start after hauling 22 golds, 18 silvers and 6 bronzes at the first day of the two-day multi-sporting event.

Alivio made the golden throw in the men’s shot put event with a distance of 11.48 meters outclassing Genalito Boligao of Bohol (10.23 m) and teammate Geovani Necesario (9.99 m) of the University of Cebu.

“I was really praying that I could get the gold because I would like to represent the region in the nationals but least I expect that I will be the one who will bag the first gold. It was a great honor for me since this is my first time,” Alivio said.

The powerhouse team of University of Cebu contributed most of the golds.

The multi-decorated sprinter, Lindley Navaja dominated the 200-meter event with a clocking of 22.84 seconds.

Mary Joy Tabal of Southwestern University had triple golds in the 400m, 5,000m and 3,000m run.

Lorna Olarito reigned supreme in the 400m hurdles (1:09.27 minute) and 200m (26.68 sec), while Rose Baylon also chipped in twin golds in the 5K and 3K walkathon.

The rest of the gold medalists were Almira Gay Sadaya (100m hurdles), Reymar Bautro (400m hurdles), Jason Giganto (discus throw), Dharl Pitogo (110m hurdles), Junrey Andales (400m), Aiza Suaybaguio (1500m), Jorry Ycong (1500 men), Joel Delposo (10K), Jude Thaddeus Rivera (5K), Ernesto Ybañez Jr. and Irene Baluran in the men and women’s long jump, respectively.

As expected, the University of Cebu (UC) crown paddlers swept the men and women’s titles in the table tennis event over at the University of the Visayas gym.

 Over at the Whitesands Beach Resort in Marigondon, the national men’s beach volley champs could no longer defend its national title as Cebu bowed to Negros Oriental.

The tandem of Jade Becaldo and Edward Ybañez wasn’t able to destroy the strong defense posted by Negros. The latter won over Cebu, 21-18, 22-20.

In the distaff side, Erika Camilel Verano and Apple Eve Saraum were back in the limelight after securing a national ticket after overpowering Negros Oriental, 21-19, 21-17. (FREEMAN)