Philippine Christian University–Dasmariñas dominated the competition, emerging as the overall champion in both the men’s and women’s divisions during the inaugural staging of the table tennis tournament in PGFlex-UCAL Season 8, held recently at Homecourt by Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
In a dazzling display of talent, the Dolphins captured five of the six events contested in the three-day tournament—one of the two newest sports added to the calendar of the country’s fastest-growing collegiate league.
University of Batangas’ Princess Gabrielle Brotonel spoiled PCU-D’s bid for a clean sweep by ruling the women’s singles event, defeating Marianne Joyce Peralta.
However, the duo of Ivy Biscochio and Marbie Joy Villacastin made up for the setback by clinching the women’s doubles gold and helping steer the team to the overall championship.
PCU-D finished with a total of 26 points, edging University of Batangas by four.
Philippine Women’s University placed third with 16 points, followed by Manila Central University with eight and Centro Escolar University with four.
(C) UCAL
On the men’s side, it was all PCU-D, with Kenn Franklin Gutierrez leading the charge after overpowering Arnel Luis Acsay of CEU to secure the singles gold.
Russel Luna and Engelo Columna added to the haul by winning the doubles gold, as PCU-D amassed 28 points—12 clear of second-place Manila Central University.
University of Batangas settled for third with 14 points, followed by Centro Escolar University with nine and Philippine Women’s University, also with nine.
The event is backed by Akari, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, CafeFrance, Vital, TopFlite Academy, Maruyama, Gerry’s Grill, Mighty Bond, and Undftd Sportswear, with competitions continuing Thursday at the same venue.
