MANILA, Philippines - Sisters Denjylie and Jaja Cordero of the Diliman Preparatory School dominated the women’s events, making it 1-2 in five events, while tankers from host La Salle-Dasmariñas captured the men’s overall title in the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) swimming competitions yesterday at the La Salle Dasmariñas pool.
Jaja Cordero, daughter of Dennis Cordero, national coach of the DPS of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng and the Philippine Swimming League under Susan Papa, won the 100m freestyle in 1:04.34, the 50m freestyle in 30.22 seconds and the 50m freestyle in 29.02 seconds. Her sister Denjylie Cordero took the silver in these events while beating Jaja for the gold in the 50m backstroke (33.77) and 50m breaststroke (35.66).
La Salle took the men’s overall title with gold medal finishes by Kevin Claveria in the 100m freestyle (58.45) and 50m butterfly (27.89) and Jerome Magallanes in the 50m breaststroke (32.66). The team, under Gerry Serio III, also won the freestyle and medley relay events.
The UCAA swimming meet, one of several sports disciplines in the league’s calendar, is organized by the PSL, headed by Papa, on invitation of UCAA co-founder and former PSC commissioner Tisha Abundo.
The overall trophy was donated by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and the medals by the Rotary Club of Manila Remedios Circle.