In a trailblazing feat that echoes throughout Baliwag City, student-athletes of Montessori De Sagrada Familia (MDSF) have etched their entry at the first-ever Baliwag City Private Schools Association (BaCiPriSA) Athletics Meet 2023.
To instill a moment of pride throughout the community, the student program coordinator Ms. Ma. Cristina Perez lauded the athlete representatives’ unprecedented victory last December 4.
At the forefront, Smasher Niela Shane Anne Sebastian asserted her graceful tactical prowess to seize the Badminton Singles championship crown at El Orlando Gymnasium, mentored by coaches Ms. Queen Ara Dela Cruz and Ms. Andrea Isabelle Pagar. Meanwhile, the Sagradan Knight Spikers, under Teacher Coaches Mr. John De Lima and Mrs. Honeylene Mangulabnan, emerged as the undisputed champions of the Volleyball Boys category.
MDSF claimed more podium finishes as Kirsten Gail Espiritu secured the first runner-up title in Badminton Singles while the dynamic duos of Duke Paul Rigel Luena and Luis Iñigo Perez, as well as Zara Isabelle Perez and Jayterkiel Pascual showcased seamless coordination to nail their respective silver places in the Badminton Doubles showdowns. In addition, Rhanz Angelo Serpa Juan came through as the second runner-up for the singles category.
Flaunting tenacious court genius on the opposing team’s turf, the Sagradan Squires snatched the First Runner-Up position in Elementary Basketball under the watchful eye of Mr. Richmond Dino and Mr. Jereme Capanas while the Sagradan Knight Spikers copped the first runner-up spot in the Volleyball Girl’s category under the guidance of Ms. Adona Verdillo and Ms. Kiana Roberto.
The medal haul continued as Ethan Angelo Gonzalez, a fifth-grader swimmer from Odyssey managed to clinch five golds for the elementary department, winning the most numbers of events for the elementary department.
“I had a blast in annual competitions, and I hope Provi will feel the same and swimming can significantly change your life – mentally and physically. It’s trial and error; you keep trying until you’re on top,” Gonzalez shared.
Gonzalez bested his opponents in five events, namely 200-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter butterfly, 100-meter breaststroke, and 400-meter freestyle. Moreover, Chastin Krue Cruz garnered gold in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle, and 50-meter butterfly, and one silver in the 100-meter butterfly.
Other standouts include Shaira Joy Castro who bagged gold in the 500-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events while snaring three additional silvers. Zairah Desiree Tejero snagged five silvers, while Noah Castro netted three. Furthermore, Robyn Alexa Ong seized silver in the 50-meter butterfly and bronze in the 50-meter backstroke and Frances Nalla Viquiera clutched bronze in the 50-meter breaststroke event.
The swimming team of the elementary department amassed an impressive tally of 11 golds, 13 silvers, and 2 bronzes—26 medals out of the total 78 earned by the entire MDSF Vikings team, guided by Coach Genesis Janoy, Coach Michael Tangon, and school coach Mr. Leo Pago.
Meanwhile, with no opposing teams in sight, athletes in Lawn Tennis, Football, Taekwondo, and Gymnastics have also punched their tickets to the provincial athletic meet next year.
Rooted in consistent and rigorous training, winning athletes are poised to scale new heights at the upcoming Provincial Athletics Meet in 2024.
Written by: Reinlois Felipe
Research by: Czaira Gwen Nolasco, Angelaine Martin Asuncion, and Niela Shane Anne Sebastian
Captured by: Francheska Bettina Carpio, Megan Edrea Ladao, Angelaine Martin Asuncion, Czaira Gwen Nolaso, Paul Jeremy Clavero, and Phia Briana Jeleane Caranto