SPORTSTAR: Vol. 1 No. 1

SPORTSFEST 2023 SPECIAL The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos

During the Sportsfest 2023, persistent booters from different colleges drew a fiery and zealous set of games as each of them roamed for a goal to the finals at the University Field, Apr. 19-20.

The Tiger booters surged through the Phoenix booters’ wings, scoring 15-0 to kick off the Sportsfest.

“The experience was good because we were able to see the fouls in our play and were able to adjust our gameplay on the field,” Tiger Booters Team Captain Axel Mariblanca said.

On the other hand, the Dragon booters felt frustrated as they were ready to play but were blocked by the Phoenixes following a win by default in a scheduled game.

“We had prepared a lot for the said game, but we were hoping to play with them in the future as we believed that we were both driven by our passion in the field and we could enhance each other’s team,” Dragon Booters’ Striker Kim Ronnick Doria said.

Not only was there a default, but the draw during the kickoffs of the Eagle and Serpent booters generated an unyielding mood in the bracket as the Eagle booters’ defense grappled with the Serpent booters, finishing 2-2 on the same day.

“The game was so intense since our goals took turns, maybe our energy and determination to win were equally matched,” Eagle’s Pointer Carlos Gabriel Castro said.

The conflict between the roaring tigers and the darting dragons was finished on the second day when the Tiger booters scored two consecutive

ROSTERED STRATEGIES

Gabriel Pangilinan blocks ball from Griffin, University Football Field.

by KARYL ANJAO

PROWLING KICKS

Football men title race heats up at Day3

by NATHALIE ORTILLO

goals in the first half, culminating in a score of 2-1.

“It’s the lively crowd and teamwork that hyped our game. It drove us to persevere more in reaching the goal,” Tiger booters’ Striker Patrick Angelo Aguilar said.

Moreover, the heat became scorched as the Griffin booters entered the

Sigrab opening salvo ignites zeal for sports

by THERESA MAE DULMAN

Reviving the spirit of camaraderie, Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, Overall Chair of the College Sportsfest 2023, set the ball rolling for the week-long sports festivity at the University Gymnasium, Apr. 18.

Anchored on this year’s theme “Sigrab: Illuminating Recoletos Unity through Flaring Sports Festivity!”, the ceremony kicked off with the lighting of the Symbolic Friendship Flame while athletes took an Oath of Sportsmanship.

For this year’s sports festivity, each college sent out their players to vie for athletics, basketball, volleyball, chess, football, and table tennis.

“[Here in UNO-R], we assure that you [students] will receive holistic formation socially, spiritually, with the

intrapersonal skills that are given to you by the university, so during the sports activities, altogether, we learn while enjoying the games,” Fr. Alaras said in his opening remarks.

In addition, Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR, performed a Ceremonial Toss together with Rev. Fr. Amadeo Lucero, OAR and Raymond Goyon, representatives from UNO-R and Colegio de Sta. Ana - Victoria’s teams for a basketball exhibition game.

“This week-long sports festivity will truly showcase how each college proves that they are housed by creative minds and unceasing strength in the name of sportsmanship excellence,” Sportsfest Committee Member and UNO-R Supreme Student Government

bracket and determined to toss the luck of Serpents in a 3-0 goal.

“Winning today’s game is really fulfilling for all of us. Our efforts and preparation really paid off,” Griffin booter Charlou Arcangel said.

The Tiger booters hindered the spot of Serpents in playing for the finals with a 1-0 close match. On the

other hand, the Dragon booters hailed through the field as they winded-up the odds of the Griffins ending in a 3-1 score.

The Tiger and Dragon booters will face each other again at the field in the chance of bringing home the title as the Champion of Men’s Football in this year’s sportsfest.

President Melrose Seron said in her closing remarks.

Moreover, students can look forward to matches against other

and supporting activities prepared by the Sportsfest committee.

CATCHING FIRE. Tiger John Paul Jereza, CEN Basketball Team Captain Sportsfest 2023 ignites the urn, University Gymnasium. ◘ photo by KATREENA BERNAL

B-ball women teams shoot their shot for championships

by SHANNON LIBO-ON

HEAD-ON Tigers and Phoenix compete for the score during the women’s basketball competition, University Gymnasium.

◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.

To take home the trophy and advance to the final competition, all six colleges raised their colors and brought out their college mascots as they remained relentless and persistent during the women’s basketball competition held at the University Gymnasium, Apr. 18-20.

During the opening day of sportsfest, the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Serpents with a 67-13 in their first basketball match. After winning the game, the Lady Tigers’ passion to win the championship title burned brighter.

“In terms of improvement, we [my teammates and I] would like to improve the team’s discipline and [to have] our game aimed towards winning not just out of luck but because we worked hard for it,” Lady Tiger’s team Captain Audrey Pagkalinawan said.

Following their setback, the Lady Serpents made amends on the second day by outscoring the Lady Phoenixes 40-3 and securing their victory.

“I am thankful to my teammates for their discipline, cooperation, and the

trust that they have put to the whole group,” Lady Serpent’s Team Captain Jeneveve Dolorosa said.

Meanwhile, on the second day of competition, the Lady Dragons defeated the Lady Griffins through a series of solid shots winning the match with a score of 48-29.

“The lessons that I learned during the game is to remain humble and to be friendly, even to your rivals,” Dragons’ team player Chrystal Mae Muyco said.

On the third day of the competition, the Lady Griffins, restituted themselves after putting down the Lady Serpents with a score of 32-21.

“We will work hard and although we lacked communication in this game, we will correct all our errors and do our best in the next game,” Lady Griffins Team Captain Christyn Beth Villaruz said.

Moreover, the winning teams will be competing in the semi-finals on Apr. 22.

Griffins pushes for championship in chess

by SHAIRA IWAYAN

Mass highlights alertness for Sportsfest 2023

by FAITH JARHOSET ALIPIO

In an effort to deliver the overall message of this year’s University Sportsfest, Sportsfest Committee

Overall Chairman and main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, emphasized how active listening is key towards achieving critical thinking during the institutional mass held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Apr. 18.

“We [students and faculty] are trained to speak up, but almost nobody is trained to listen. We just want to be heard, we just want to speak up, but almost nobody wants to listen,” Fr. Alaras said.

The essence of listening which was imparted during the holy mass served as a reminder to uphold the virtues and values needed to be inculcated during the duration of the event.

“Before we [students and faculty] can obey someone, we need understanding and before we understand, we have to listen,” Fr. Alaras added.

UNO-R Supreme Student Government, students, athletes, council officers, faculty and staff, and religious and university organizations, gathered to attend the holy mass in pursuit of guidance for the week-long sports festivity.

Furthermore, the opening ceremony of the event took place after the parade of players wherein athletes from their respective colleges carried their colors as they exhibited their excitement and drive to claim the throne of this year’s Sportsfest Champions.

The Griffins chess team sealed the victory with calculated movements successfully protecting their kings and pushing for a decisive checkmate in a five-round intercollegiate chess tournament for men and women, Apr. 20.

Griffin chessers claimed gold for men’s chess with a score of 15, while Griffin lady chessers ranked second for women’s with eight points, which secured their overall victory in the tournament.

“There was little to no pressure in our team despite the failure to lead the end of the second round for day one as we were only a point behind the leading team,” Griffin chesser Board Four player Excel Rey Morales said.

During rounds one and two on the first day of the tournament, Serpent chessers led the game for the men’s category while Griffin lady chessers led for the women’s category.

As part of gearing up, the chess players from every college not only immersed themselves in team practices, but also employed individual

measures that efficiently enhanced their tactics and critical thinking during the actual tournament.

“The team was advised by our coach to finish 15 games of online chess per day as part of our intense preparation,” ‘Most Valuable Player’ for men’s chess, Emanuel Tonato shared.

Bringing home the gold for women’s chess, Serpent lady chessers ended the game before the time ran out in an indefectible sweep with a perfect score of 12 points hailing Chloe Jane Abalos as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ for women.

“I always try not to reach the endgame as my personal weakness during the tournament was the time. [Fortunately], I was able to conclude the rounds with no defeat together with my teammates,” Abalos said.

Moreover, every college sent four chessers and three lady chessers to vie for the champ title. Dragon lady chessers, however, lost by default as they were not able to send their line-up for the two-day event.

HOLISTIC SPORTSMANSHIP. Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras opens Sportsfest 2023 with a homily, Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, April 18. ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA

Dragons, Tigers advance to b-ball semis

by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO and ANNE OLMILLO

Meanwhile, Dragons ferociously pinned its opponents in court during the preliminary round of bracket B with a 70-point difference against Serpent cagers and Phoenix cagers with a score gap of 66-points, giving off scores of 104-34 and 103-37, respectively.

“Since [our] course is criminology, I believe that we [my teammates and I] can still improve our defense and offense, as well as our communication inside the court,” Maroon Dragon’s top scorer Michael Corpus said.

Likewise, the Griffins and Serpents landed their place in the semifinals after beating the Green Eagles, 6861, and Blue Phoenixes, 73-69, respectively.

On the other hand, Blue Phoenix and Green Eagle cagers fell behind against the aforementioned teams, ending their chance to bring home the championship for their colleges.

The Orange Tigers will meet the Pink Serpent cagers in the semi-finals, while the Maroon Dragons will face the Yellow Griffin cagers on Apr. 22.

Exhibiting flawless foot works and ball coordination, the twowin Maroon Dragon and Orange Tiger cagers secured their spots in the men’s basketball tournament semi-finals, together with the Yellow Griffin and Pink Serpent

cagers to be held at the University Gymnasium, Apr. 22.

Coupled by their well-planned tactics and airtight defense, the Tiger cagers sealed their spot on the semifinals by ruthlessly crashing both the

Dragon and Griffin spikers rule

prelim v-ball matches

by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES and DANICA ROSE QUINDAP

Geared with grit and tenacity to seize this year’s coup, mighty Griffins and the fearless Dragons hurdled over the net with their potent attacks and stamina as

they each nabbed victories in the preliminary matches of the men’s volleyball tournament at the University Covered Court, April 18-20.

Green Eagles, 88-59, and the Yellow Griffin, 70-54, during the preliminary round of the bracket A.

“I’m really glad that we won today’s game since our preparations and hard work finally paid off,” Tiger Cager John Paul Jereza shared.

In an intense clash of skill, the Griffins emerged triumphant against the Eagles in a close match, 25-20, and claimed a commanding victory of 25-21 over the Phoenixes in a series of electrifying sets.

The Griffins scored 25-22 during the first set but was overpowered by the Eagles with a ten-point lead, 1525, during the second set.

“We have learned that no matter how hard the game is, no matter how many points [our] rival will score, we always get up and we always fight back,” Griffin spiker Christian Matthew Obligado said.

Despite losing the eventful opening set to the Phoenixes, 17-25, the determined Griffins dominated the second set, 25-15, through welltimed dives, forceful spikes, and coordinated passes.

“We admittedly [had] a very rocky start, but we kept our head in the game through intense focus and working together towards our common goal, which is to win the game,” Griffin spiker Angel Dunca explained.

Furthermore, defeated teams and the semi-final winners will compete in the playoffs and finals, respectively, on Apr. 23.

Moreover, the Dragons achieved a decisive win in a hard-fought battle of determination against both the Serpents with a score of 25-8 and the Tigers, 25-20, throughout a string of closed sets in matches.

“Admittedly, we encountered a few problems in our serves and receives but we managed to improve our performance in the succeeding set,” Dragon spiker Pattrick Francisco Cañete elaborated.

The Dragons dominated the first set, 25–14, while the Phoenixes outplayed the Dragons in the second, 20–25.

“It was our cooperation, harmony, and our ability to put trust in each other as teammates that made us win,” Dragon spiker Noah Dela Cruz shared.

Additionally, over the course of several fierce matches, the Tigers defeated the Serpents, while the Eagles triumphed against the Phoenixes.

SWERVE AND ATTACK. Tiger Jansen Jimenea dribble drives away from Yellow Griffins during the second quarter of the game, University Gymnasium ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA

DRAGON’S SPIKE. Dragon Pattrick Cañete serves during the second set of the game, University Covered Court. ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.

CEN, COED snag gold win in Athletics

by SHAIRA IWAYAN

The College of Engineering and College of Education stood atop their opponents and claimed the crown for athletics men and women, with cumulative scores 84 and 56, after a grueling series of events during Sportsfest 2023 at the University Football Field, Apr. 20.

Amongst the array of players, with synergized skill, versatility and consistency, Tiger Jericho Blanza for men’s category and Phoenix Rhea Mae Ostan for women’s category brought home the crown for the Most Valuable Player during the tournament.

“I did not expect to be [hailed as] the ‘Most Valuable Player’ for women’s category this year, and I am overwhelmed because this is my first time to have this title, and it wouldn’t have been possible with my teammates,” Ostan shared.

A range of 10 track and field games composed the Athletics tournament for both men and women categories in which all six colleges participated. All of which were: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m for the running event; long jump for the jumping event; and discuss throw and shotput for the throwing event.

The athletics tournament was concluded as a one-day event. Further, the other five colleges finished off not far behind the winning team in both men and women categories.

Serpent snatches ball from Griffin, vying for a goal, University Football Field

Triple victory: Serpents, Griffins advance to finals

by MICAH ELLA JAYLO

Kicking off the matches with high spirits, lady booters from five college departments vie for the football championship playoffs in the first three days of Sportsfest, Apr. 18-20.

Loud and proud parching in pink are Serpent lady booters that garnered three total match wins scoring 1-0 against Tiger lady booters, 11-0 against Eagle lady booters, and 2-0 versus Dragon lady booters.

“So far, I am proud of my team

Six colleges clash during women’s v-ball tourney

by FAITH JARHOSET ALIPIO and KEREN FAITH DILEMA

Powered rallies and potent smashes flounced up the entire court as the six colleges notched up their utmost defense and mighty grit during the women’s volleyball tournament of this

year’s Sportsfest held at the University Covered Court Apr. 1821.

The first game was an intense match between the Tigress volleybelles and the Lady Griffin volleybelles, with

since they already exceeded my expectations. What I want to improve next is the same thing–consistent play,” Serpent lady booter’s Team Captain Gliza Calzado shared.

Standing in line with the same stats are Griffin Lady booters who also secured three match wins against Tiger lady booters, Eagle lady booters, and Dragon lady booters, scoring 1-0, 2-0, and 3-0, respectively.

“The strength of the team is that there was no giving up. It’s all about

the Tigresses successfully avoiding a close battle with the Griffins by winning 25-20 in the first set and finishing the rivalry at 22-25.

“The game was really intense and was worth it because through the communication inside the court and our friendship led us to victory,” Tigress Team Player Abegail Amar said.

Meanwhile, floor defense fired up the Lady Eagle volleybelles in an intense 25-20 match against the Lady Serpents during the third set of their match.

In the interim, the noble strength of the Griffin volleybelles drew triumph to them in their do-or-die game against Phoenix volleybelles, finishing at a 2-0 set match.

“This game was do or die and the teamwork of our team helped us to win and of course our trust on each one of us,” Lady Griffin Team Player Alexa Icasiano.

the mindset and heart,” Lady Griffins Team Captain Maria Alexa Ysabelle Carballo stated.

Furthermore, Dragon lady booters overthrown the Eagle lady booters in a 3-0 match. Tiger lady booters, on the other hand, swept off Dragon lady booters with a score of 5-0 in their third match.

The final game for women’s football is scheduled to commence on Day 4 of Sportsfest.

Dragon spikers, on the other hand, secured a win with their robust strikes and successive attacks beating Eagle spikers in the second set, 25-18.

“Despite the pressure and lack of training, we still took the challenge to win,” Dragons Spikers Team Captain Kristine Joy Jamantoc said.

On the other hand, stimulating strikes and fiery defenses paved the way to victory for the Dragon lady spikers, ending the match with a 2520 final set score against the Serpent lady spikers.

The Tigress volleybelles preyed on the Phoenixes, 25-20, in unbeatable gameplay during a two-set solid rally in women’s volleyball.

Moreover, the Tigresses prowled against the Lady Eagles in the first and second set during the semi-finals, 25-20, 25-22.

The finals for the women’s volleyball will be concluded on Sunday, Apr. 23.

SPIKING VICTORY. Lady Tiger spikes ball in rivalry with Lady Griffins, University Covered Court. ◘ photo by KATREENA BERNAL

STERLING SERPENTS

◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.