NCAA 98: San Beda dominates Day 1 of men’s, women’s swimming

San Beda University already dominated the first day of the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Swimming Competition, sweeping half of the events with the help of Lucio Cuyong’s record-breaking performance in the 200-meter Breaststroke on Thursday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

The Red Sea Lions scooped up events such as the 1500-meter Freestyle for (Men’s), 200-meter Individual Medley, 100-meter Freestyle, 200-meter Breaststroke, 400-meter Free, and 4×50 Medley Relay.

San Beda’s Lucio Cuyong broke the NCAA record of the 200-meter Breaststroke with a time of 2:26.38. He surpassed the previous record of College of Saint Benilde’s Joey Laviña, 2:28.02 back in 2015 Season 91.

Along with Cuyong on the podium were comrades Fritz Rodriguez getting the silver (2:27.83); and Nathan Gonzales for the bronze (2:28.11).

Amber Cawaling snagged the gold in the 100-meter Free with 1:02.40; along with her were teammates Angel Lyn Docabo (1:03.53) and Lauren Brillantes (1:05.18). Cawaling also conquered the 400-meter Free with 4:51.38, Stefany Sa-ac (4:57.46) and Mary Ann Velasco (5:03.53).

Rodriguez capped the gold of the 200-meter IM with 2:19.39. With him were Jophet Suarez (2:19.59) and Justin Pimentel (2:24.05).

On the other hand, the women’s winners were Velasco, getting a 2:35.81, Alyssa Raut (2:41.51), and Phia Bulanhagui (2:43.14)

Kent Cagape led the 400-meter Free for men with 4:26.59; Sam Braga (4:30.69) and Josh Abastillas (4:33.92) were going along with him. Braga won the 1500-meter Free with a time of 18:08.95, besting his teammate John Daniel Casino (18:19.82) and Letran’s Latre Batingan III.

Lean Dagum took the gold in the 50-meter Backstroke for men with 28.80; behind him were Mapua’s Sean Enero (29.10) and San Sebastian’s Judiel Buna (29.15). Then for the women’s, Trixia Paloma took the gold with 28.80 overtaking EAC’s Ysabel Canlas (32.77) and CSB’s Eya Tumbokon (32.96).

Docabo topped the 200-meter Breaststroke for women with 2:54.84; going along with her were Naozumi Tungul (2:59.58) and Blazers’ Gabby Gonzalvo (3:00.14). Meanwhile, CSB’s Charles Licardo dominated the 100-meter Free with 54.99, besting San Beda’s Josh Baquiao (55.27) and Lean Dagum (55.55).

The Red Sea Lions and Lady Red Sea Lions dominated the men’s and women’s 4×50 Medley Relay, with the former getting a time of 1:51.62, while the latter topped theirs with 2:08.60.

San Beda currently dominates the Men’s at the top spot with 544 points in the first day. Behind them are St. Benilde in the second spot with 157 points, then Letran in the third with 120 points, and Perpetual in fourth with 109.5 points.

The Lady Red Sea Lions are also at the top spot with 476 points. The Blazers are in the second spot with 165.5 points, the Admirals in the third spot with 128 points, and the Altas are in the fourth spot with 47 points.