RTU sweeps volleyball titles; PUP netters score

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal Technological University swept the men’s and women’s volleyball titles, while Polytechnic University of the Philippines dominated lawn tennis in the 22nd State Colleges and Universities Athletic Associaiton-National Capital region (SCUAA-NCR) competitions at the RTU grounds in Mandaluyong.

A day after sweeping all 16 gold medals in taekwondo and stamping its might in other sports, RTU captured the volleyball titles with a smashing five-game sweep in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Handled by coaches George Pascua (men) and Ronald Dulay (women), RTU outclassed all five opponents en route to the gold medals.

The RTU men’s volleyball team drew strength from team captain Alnasip Laja, Archie Lapurga, Carlo Ceasar Sebastian, Aldasir Biting, Pathie Jamiri and Ryan Crisostomo.

In the women’s division, the RTU team of team captain Ferros Mae Agang, Claire Ann Cagampang, Jannette Doria, Rhea Shira Bosante, Merichelle Tagudin and ace libero Angela Nunag also proved too much for the opposition.

PUP finished runner-up while Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology wound up third in both divisions.

It was not an all RTU-show, however.

PUP made its presence felt in lawn tennis, winning five of six titles disputed.

Jarryd Manduriao defeated Martin De Castro of RTU, 6-2, 6-1, to clinch the first singles crown in the men’s division.

Cristian Tesorio also won over Alexander Hambre of RTU in the second singles.

In doubles, the tandem of Manduriao and Christopher Lim of PUP downed the RTU pair of De Castro and Mark Baguinon, 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 for the title.

In the women’s bracket, Eillen Terrible of PUP outduelled Laurice Francisco of RTU, 6-2, 6-3, in the opening singles.

Terrible then teamed up with Angel Rodi to beat the RTU pair of Laurie Francisco and Evangeline Maranna, 6-4, 2-6- 6-1 for the doubles title.

Ninotchika Cabanu of RTU averted a shutout when she humbled Marila Resurrecion of PUP, 8-7, for the second singles crown.

In basketball, defending champion Polytechnic University of the Philippines routed Philippine State College of Aeronautics, 102-51, and early favorite Rizal Technological University crushed Marikina Polytechnic College, 115-64, to remain on a collision course for the title with five straight victories.

Ian Quirante scattered 17 points for PUP, which is being handled by coach Ariel Esquivel.

Michael John Denusta contributed 15 points, Kliff Richard Romera had 12 points and Sonny Legaspi added 10 points for the Stars, who are seeking to retain the crown.

But a big thorn on PUP’s title-retention drive remains to be RTU.