Asteegs end long runner-up streak to clinch women’s bball crown over Vanguards

Photo by: Jibrylle Mohammad

After years of near misses, the College of Engineering (COE) Asteegs finally captured the women’s basketball championship after overpowering the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) Vanguards, 42–31, at the University Gymnasium, October 16.

With the School of Graduate Studies, the long-time titleholder now dissolved and its graduate students merged into their respective colleges, the victory marked Asteegs’ long-awaited rise to the top after years of finishing as first runner-up.

Led by captain Jackielyn Tuscano and shooting guard Trishia Lyka Dela Torre, COE controlled the game’s rhythm early on, leading 19–11 by halftime, stretching it to 30–21 in the third quarter, and closing with a confident 42–31 win despite Vanguards’ late rally.

Despite the late three-pointer from Dangelyn Lapasaran in the final 30 seconds, the Vanguards’ rally fell short as the Asteegs’ composure, discipline, and teamwork sealed the championship win.

Sharing her thoughts after the long-awaited championship, Dela Torre said the moment was deeply rewarding after years of hard work and close finishes.

“Lipay kaayo mi. Sukad first year pa nako mao gid na akong gina-aim na maka-champion kay sukad-sukad ang Engineering pirme na lang first runner-up. Lipay kaayo mi kay na-paid off among hard work,” Dela Torre said.

She explained that their success was a product of consistency and communication, highlighting the team’s discipline in executing their plays.

“Gapaminaw mi sa among coach, gina-apply ra namo among natun-an, gi-improve namo among opensa ug communication sa court, ug dili lang magpadala sa pressure kay nag-training man sad mi sa amoa,” she added.

Dela Torre also shared that their victory was built on discipline and trust in their coach’s system.

“Discipline. Gapaminaw mi sa among coach. Gina-apply ra namo among natun-an,” she emphasized.

The COE closed the tournament undefeated, sealing their long-awaited gold, while CSSH settled for silver, and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy bagged bronze.