Letran ends CSB's reign as NCAA overall champs

Letran edged College of St. Benilde in one of the closest battles in years to snare its first general championship since reigning supreme seven seasons ago at the conclusion of the 85th NCAA tournament.

The Knights raked in a total of 325 points to end the two-year reign of the Blazers, who ended up at second place merely just a little less than four points behind with 321.60 points.

It was the Muralla-based school eighth general championship, which came as the second school with most titles behind Mapua’s seemingly indomitable 21 overall crowns.

Letran drew strength from their victories in men’s volleyball, chess, mean’s beach volleyball and lawn tennis to corner their first title since achieving the same feat seven years back.

After ending up the first semester with no title victories, the Blazers roared back by snaring football and women’s table tennis but the twin triumphs weren’t enough to supplant the Knights from the top and catapult them to their third general championship in row.

Probably dealing St. Benilde’s cause with a big blow was its failed championship bids in women’s volleyball and beach volley, events where they were the favorites to win but came out short with heartbreaking runner-up finishes.

Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, OP., of Letran said the key was fielding in teams with realistic chances of delivering the victories.

“Our program and philosophy in sports is very effective, its quality participation,” said Calvo. “Although we don’t have complete teams, we were still able to emerge as overall champions.”

San Sebastian, which will host Season 86 this June, rode on its strong efforts in centerpiece athletics to finish a decent third place with 306 points.

The Stags, of course, bested the San Beda Lions in basketball as well as women’s volleyball and the recently concluded track and field competition.

San Beda, which successfully hosted this year’s NCAA edition, ended up fourth with 289 points after ruling taekwondon, swimming and men’s table tennis while Perpetual Help came in at No. 5 with 213 points behind its win in women’s beach volleyball.

Arellano, one of the three guest teams this year, was a surprise seventh place finisher after accumulating 156 points.

The Chiefs, along with the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, were recently elevated as regular members on probationary basis starting Season 86.

Mapua finished sixth with 153.60 points while Jose Rizal (129), EAC (90.60) and Angeles U Foundation (82) eighth, ninth and 10th places, respectively.

In juniors action, San Sebastian captured its first general championship in three years by amassing 295 points to also end CSB-La Salle Greenhills’ two-year domination.

The Junior Blazers again finished runner-up with 280 points.

In snaring their fourth crown overall, the Staglets came through with wins in chess and athletics to make up for its foiled title defenses in basketball and volleyball. (NCAA Press Release)