AFTER years of being a runner up, Saint Louis University’s finally claimed the sepak takraw crown in the Baguio – Benguet Educational Athletic League.
SLU edged defending champion Benguet State University and longest reigning titlist University of the Cordilleras in the double round-robin tournament.
The Navigators earlier sweep the UC Jaguars the first round in regu A, 20-22,21-19,16-21 and regu B, 14-21,16-21 to start strong in the 30th season of north Luzon’s largest collegiate league.
SLU however slowed down against BSU Wildcats as the two settled for a tie on both regu but a more determined Navigators closed out the first day with a victory in the deciding regu.
It was another dominating performance for the Bonifacio Street based squad scoring back to back victories against BSU and UC in the second round with the Wildcats sealing the faith of long time Jaguars.
“Most of our boys here are new on the team and their first time to play for BBEAL. Hopefully we can pull the team together and comeback strong,” stressed UC Coach Anton Acquision.
BSU’s strategy in fielding its new athletes reap dividends for the Widlcats as it came close in beating eventual champion SLU.
“Nagtraining talaga kami na kahit sinong member ng team pwede maging Tekong (server), pwede ring maging setter o spiker para kahit saan ipwesto pwede kami,” said BSU’s Team Captain Sheldon Sad-o.
Kings College of the Philippines and the Philippine Military Academy pulled out of the tournament as organizers have yet to receive the official reason for the withdraw.
SLU last won the Sepak Takraw crown in the 90’s, also beating BSU.