8peat: Medtech Vikings uphold their win streak in women’s chess

Chess is a mind sport that requires intelligence, strategy, and imagination. It is enigmatic to master in a snap of a finger, as it demands a lot of time and practice to become proficient in the basics. According to Jallene Sarvida, Vikings team captain, the team trained five hours a week to assess their strengths and weaknesses by competing against each other. However, it was challenging to practice due to conflicting schedules with the players’ classes. Fortunately, everyone gathered to stage matches with one another a few days before Intramurals.

Checkmate!

In the realm of intellect and strategy, an epic clash for wits and will unfolds on a checkerboard. The MedTech Vikings were hailed once again as champions of women’s chess after successfully defending their kings against CAS Titans, PTOT Spartans, and NSG Blue Knights last October 18, 2023.

Knights, rooks, kings, queens, pawns, and bishops — the pieces have unique abilities that can outwit any opponent. In the first round, CAS scored 4-0 against PTOT, and MedTech scored 4-0 against NSG. In round two between NSG and CAS, NSG won by 3-1, and MedTech won by 4-0 against PTOT. In the final clash, MedTech won by 3-1 against CAS, and NSG won by 3-1 against PTOT. The final ranking was as follows:

1st Place: MedTech Vikings - 6 points

2nd Place: NSG Blue Knights - 4 points

3rd Place: CAS Titans - 2 points

4th Place: PTOT Spartans - 0 points

As chess pieces stand poised for battle, deciding the move that puts you at an advantage or a disadvantage is crucial at every turn. The Vikings prepared by treating their practices almost equally to their academics. “Even though we had hectic schedules and exams, we still tried to practice and practice so that we could keep on improving ourselves to be better chess players,” Sarvida quoted.

A pivotal game filled the room with tension; bishops slandered pieces one after another, rooks crashed pawns, and knights leaped boldly into the fray. As the queen commands with grace and power, the Vikings safeguarded their kings with all their might. Every game was as intense as it could be, but as for Jallene, the game's peak was the first round against the Knights. She recalled the last Intramurals, where they scored 2-2 against them and won by a slight margin during the championship. They redeemed themselves this year and felt accomplished as they scored 4-0 against the Knights.

As chess pieces stand poised for battle, deciding the move that puts you at an advantage or a disadvantage is crucial at every turn. The Vikings prepared by treating their practices almost equally to their academics.

“Even though we had hectic schedules and exams, we still tried to practice and practice so that we could keep on improving ourselves to be better chess players,” Sarvida quoted.

Efforts, time, skills, and talents finally paid off as the Vikings preserved their winning streak and victoriously protected their title. The atmosphere was painted green, claps and cheers echoed throughout the room, and triumphant grins were expressed, symbolizing their well-deserved win.