CEBU, Philippines - Host Central Visayas padded its unassailable medal haul to 132 broken down into 70 golds, 28 silvers and 34 bronzes to virtually clinch its second straight overall championship in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Collegiate Games, which will formally come to a close with another pompous ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Nothing much has changed in the rankings save for Western Visayas (Region VI), which jumped from third to second place with 35 golds, 30 silvers and 33 bronzes. Erstwhile leader Calabarzon (Region IV-A) further slipped to third with 28 golds.
Region XI, represented by athletes from Davao, remained at fourth spot with a medal haul of 11-35-29 followed by Region I (6-6-14), Region III (4-3-9), CAR (3-11-5), Region II (3-2-4), Region XII (2-8-15) and Region V (2-6-9).
Central Visayas is expected to collect more golds today in team events.
Lawn Tennis
At Cebu Country Club, the CV netters swept the men's and women’s doubles titles. The Siso sisters Sally Mae and Sallydine overpowered Mae Manzanarez and Joelline Accion of Region XI, 8-0, while Israel Abarquez and Kennex Abadia defeated Reoniel Fuentes and Vanny Talimay of Region VI, 8-3, in the men's bracket.
The tandem of Sally Mae Siso and Kennex Abadia will fight for gold in the mixed doubles against Region XII today.
"It's the first time I joined the PRISAA and I'm happy that it's a memorable one for me," said Sally Mae Siso.
Athletics
After completing a golden treble, Lorna Olarita of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and Ernesto Ybañez of the University of Cebu (UC) were hailed as most outstanding athletes in athletics event.
Mary Joy Tabal from Southwestern University (SWU) wrapped up her campaign with her third gold medal in 10,000m run with the time 40 minutes and 18.75 seconds.
Surprisingly, Olarita, Tabal, Sheena Gacayan and Aiza Suaybanguio settled for only silver in the women's 4x400m relay.
Overall, coach Babette Capangpangan said it's already a big accomplishment for them as they upped their gold medal haul to 13 from only seven in last year's edition of the annual sports conclave held in Zamboanga City.
Boxing
The CV pugilists punched their way to five gold medals courtesy of Ian Refuela (49 kgs.) and Zoro Babel Alsola (57 kgs.), of SWU, Danlou Codilla (52 kgs.), Robert Etorma (70 kgs.), Robert Labanza (60 kgs.) of the University of the Visayas (UV).
Karatedo
The hometown bets chipped in three golds courtesy of Ann Marie de la Riate and Sam Orillo in the women's and men’s individual kata. Lynie Narboada added another gold in kumite 55 kgs. division.
Volleyball
The CV belles powered by the SWU Lady Cobras had to pass through a five-setter thriller before edging out Western Visayas to advance into the final round.
In the men’s bracket, the University of San Carlos (USC)-manned Cevees also advanced to the gold medal round after thumping Western Visayas, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-17 at the USC gym.
SWU will face Region XI, while USC will clash with Region IV-A in the finale this morning.
Beach volley
CV beach volley spikers Mike Abria and Mark Anthony Fernandez of UV booked a championship ticket in the men’s division after fending off Western Visayas, 21-23, 23-21, 15-10.
Football
The CV booters also advanced to the finals after thrashing Davao, 1-0. They will face South Cotabato in the gold medal match today at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Sepak takraw
CV sepak takraw team managed to end their journey in the said supporting event with a silver after bowing to Region XI, 2-1.