Making waves: Racing to victory at the women’s swimming competition
Women's Swimming Competition
INTRAMURALS 2023
Siena Kasandra Rollon
3/18/2024
Spotted in the field, PT/OT out-swam all four departments at the 80-meter freestyle, now represented by Castillo trailed by MedTech, Nursing, and CAS. The last game of the race, the 80-meter medley, commenced as Castillo from PT/OT continually revealed what she was capable of for winning her second match, after her were MedTech and Nursing.
Being the overall champion in the women’s swimming competition, PT/OT earned 5 golds and 1 silver. “The primary factor contributing to our success was the strong sense of unity and mutual support within the team,” said Juliane Aseo, PT/OT’s team captain.
Their team’s ace, Blithe Castillo, with 2 gold medals and a trophy, shared a message to the future athletes, “I would tell the future players for the next intramurals to enjoy the sport you’re in and give your best effort always.”
Acquiring 1 gold and 5 silvers, MedTech’s team captain, Angela Bumagat, shared her wisdom after the match: “Although we were close to giving up, we kept in mind to swim with our heart and focus on our own lane.”
Despite the lack of members, CAS did not fall behind as they bagged 1 silver and 1 bronze. “Our overall performance may have fallen short of the sterling talents of other departments, but placing second in the 40-meter women's freestyle and third in the 40-meter women's breaststroke were impressive feats for a humble team of four,” said Samantha Suson, the CAS’ team captain.
With courage, Nursing obtained 4 bronze with strong minds, as their team captain, Aaliyah Evangelista, shared a message after the game: “During the pandemic, swimmers had limited opportunities to train and compete against other talented swimmers. As a result, all the nursing swimming team members were motivated to get good results and attain medals which we achieved.”
Amidst the difficulties, every department was still capable of providing a good fight and fought till the end with pride. The loud cheers were heard as the game ended with players having a bright smile; proud of what they’ve accomplished. The match was the ultimatum example of having good sportsmanship and camaraderie among players as each raced to victory.
Maayong pagsaulong, Velezians! Magsaulog kita sa sunod!
As the longer hand of the clock landed on five in the eighth hour, the officials began to call on the players’ attention to prepare for the intense race of the year in Velez College Intramurals 2023: Women’s Swimming Competition. Heard from the bleachers, the loudest applause of each department; motivating the players to exert their best for the competition. Aside from the crowd’s cheer, the players’ voices were witnessed as they tapped one’s shoulders; telling one another to breathe and enjoy.
Despite the delay, the game commenced with the singles match of 40-meter freestyle. Intense roars were heeded from each department as the players dove into their first match of the day. Sungcad from MedTech was the first player to touch the end goal, followed by CAS, PT/OT, and Nursing. After the officials announced the next battle, Villano from PT/OT won gold in the 40-meter backstroke, tailed by MedTech and Nursing.
“I feel proud of myself that I still got the strength to swim and win even after months of no proper training,” said Danika Villano from PT/OT post-match.
With distinct screams of encouragement, the players prepared for their next races in the singles match: the 40-meter butterfly & 40-meter breaststroke. Both are won by PT/OT, represented by Aseo, the captain herself. Following her were MedTech and Nursing in the 40-meter butterfly while behind her in the 40-meter breaststroke, were MedTech, CAS, and Nursing.
“Winning two awards in swimming, even though I had just returned to competitive swimming, filled me with an overwhelming sense of achievement and pride. It clearly reflected my unwavering commitment and effort,” said Juliane Aseo while holding her two gold medals.
