Article by: Albert L. Dela Cruz Jr.
Photos by: Blaise Paulhene O. Rellata
The Mapúa Cardinals Swimming Team stirred waves at the Atlantean Swimming Tournament, hauling in a total of 30 medals in the Boys 17 & Over and Girls 17 & Over events held last September 29 at the Marikina Sports Center.
Boys' Division
Leadership plays a pivotal role in sports, and the Mapúa Tankers are no exception. Following a roster reshuffle, newly appointed captains Joseph Benedict Villamater and Denielle Mandanas steered the team's course to a series of victories.
Team Captain Villamater led by example, securing two silver medals for the squad: one in the 100-meter Freestyle (Class C) and another in the 50-meter Breaststroke (Class C). Team Co-Captain Mandanas followed closely behind, continuing the onslaught of the red and gold wave by grabbing the silver medal in the 50-meter Freestyle (Class A).
Latest recruits to the Senior Men's squad Isaiah Ulanday, Sean Azores, and John Kyrant Mendoza quickly showcased their skills in the tournament. Ulanday ruled the waters as he added four new medals to his collection, winning gold in both the 100-meter Breaststroke (Class B) and 50-meter Breaststroke (Class B), while fetching bronze in the 100-meter Butterfly (Class C) on his way to win the Most Outstanding Swimmer in the 17 & Over Men's Division B.
Bringing in more medals, John Renier Alcanar snatched gold in the 50-meter Butterfly (Class C), while Isaias Dael followed suit as he won gold in both the 50-meter Butterfly (Class B) and 50-meter Freestyle (Class B).
Meanwhile, Azores settled for two bronze laurels he claimed in the 100-meter Freestyle (Class B) and 100-meter Backstroke (Class B). Adding to their victory count, Mendoza, who was in the Juniors' team last season, secured his lone silver medal in the 50-meter Freestyle (Class B). Matthew Cameron Dasig also showcased his powerful stroke after claiming silver in the 100-meter Freestyle (Class B) and 100-meter Breaststroke (Class C), alongside his bronze in the 50-meter Breaststroke (Class B).
Girls' Division
Maria Mikaella Faye Estrella took home a total of five medals after finishing first in the 50-meter Freestyle (Class B) to win gold, while also winning silver in both the 100-meter Freestyle (Class B) and 200-meter Freestyle (Class C), and bronze in the 50-meter Breaststroke (Class C) and 50-meter Butterfly (Class B).
Shyryl Kym Ferrer and Isabela Leanne Lanuza snagged silver in the 50-meter freestyle (Class B) and 50-meter butterfly (Class C), respectively. Meanwhile, Julia Javina concluded the event with a double silver finish in the 100-meter backstroke (Class D) and 50-meter Freestyle (Class C).
New additions to the women’s squad Catherine Lim and Elaine Orejas also added to the tally. Lim collected a total of four medals: a gold in the 50-meter Butterfly (Class B), silver in the 100-meter butterfly (Class B) and 100-meter Breaststroke (Class C), and bronze in the 50-meter Breaststroke (Class B). Orejas chipped in two medals of her own, a silver in the 100-meter Freestyle (Class C) and a bronze in the 100-meter Backstroke (Class C).
Competing in pre-season tournaments is a huge part of chemistry-building, and with the recent performance of the Cardinal Tankers, they are full steam ahead and all set to make waves in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100 Swimming Tournament scheduled for December 3, with the venue and time of events yet to be announced.
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