The Universities and Colleges Athletic League is bracing for more drama and thrilling finishes as nine member schools enter the crucial stretch of their preparations for Season 8, which opens on October 9 at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
UCAL Executive Director Horacio Lim said the league is set for an even more exciting year, highlighted by the member schools’ hunger for statement wins and the inclusion of two new sports — badminton and table tennis — in the calendar of events.
Host Centro Escolar University, he added, is pulling out all the stops to make this season memorable, with strong support from student leaders.
“With CEU doing everything to make Season 8 an event to remember, I am confident that we will have another successful season — full of fun and excitement,” Lim said. “All nine schools have also firmed up their rosters, especially in basketball.”
The addition of badminton and table tennis reflects the league’s continued growth, which Lim credited to the concerted efforts of the Policy Board and the steadfast backing of its major sponsor, PGFlex Linoleum, led by Nelson Guevarra.
Now on its eighth season, UCAL’s success has caught the attention of other institutions.
Lim revealed that two schools — including one based in Pasay City — are currently in talks with the management committee for possible entry into the country’s fastest-growing collegiate league.
Basketball remains UCAL’s centerpiece, but the league has also expanded to feature esports, street dance, men’s and women’s volleyball, and 3×3 basketball.
All eyes, however, will be on the CEU Scorpions, who are determined to reclaim the men’s basketball crown after being dethroned last year when Olivarez College captured its first-ever title at the expense of Philippine Christian University–Dasmariñas.
Despite falling short in basketball, CEU still made noise in Season 7 by winning the inaugural street dance championship.
Meanwhile, the University of Batangas stood out as the most successful school last year, retaining its esports crown while also ruling men’s volleyball and 3×3 basketball.
Immaculada Concepcion College also turned heads, capturing the women’s volleyball title in its maiden campaign.
