𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡: “Luka trade: Lakers’ bold risk pays off” by Will Diether Arinsol

 

Layout by: Cianyah Mendoza

Published by: Michelle Piquero

Date Published: April 15, 2025

Time Published: 5:28 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers just made the boldest move of the decade. Trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić. While the NBA fans argue, one thing is for certain: the Lakers didn’t just trade a star, they secured their future.

While many fans may call the trade a blockbuster, the numbers and impact point to a clear winner—the Lakers.

After acquiring Luka, the Lakers won 12 of 14 games elevating themselves behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. In contrast, the Mavericks faced challenges losing 14 games and having sidelined the player they received in the trade. Davis has only played 6 games for the Mavericks this season.

The Lakers improved significantly after acquiring Luka, while the Mavericks suffered after Davis was sidelined due to injury in his debut for the team.

Luka averaged 27.6 points, 7.8 assists and 8.3 rebounds per game—only behind by a few from a triple double. He’s already a five-time All-NBA First Team member and the second most efficient player of the NBA at only 26 years old. 

These are not just outstanding numbers, they’re historic. His numbers prove how he is worthy of leading a team, his offensive prowess is unmatched. Luka is doing things that other players dream of.

On the other hand, Anthony Davis has missed over 30% of games in the past four seasons due to injuries. Even in his healthiest year, he played just 56 games. His debut game for the Mavericks has also led to another injury causing him to miss 18 games.

Though Davis is a powerhouse when available, the Lakers need someone consistent—and Luka brings it to the table.

The trade isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about the team’s future. LeBron James’ looming retirement has been a problem for the Lakers, to which Luka seems to be the perfect replacement. An offensively gifted, marketable team leader, checking all the boxes for the Lakers.

The Lakers made the right call in the trade, transforming injury risk into long term greatness. Choosing a player who can win and dominate. The Lakers’ future is brighter than ever with Luka in the Picture. The only question remains: Can they build a championship team around him?

REFERENCES: 

[1] Pittman, E. (2025, April 5). Luka Dončić leads Lakers to win over former Mavericks team weeks after blockbuster trade. Hatter’s Herald. https://hattersherald.com/17119/sports/luka-doncic-leads-lakers-to-win-over-former-mavericks-team-weeks-after-blockbuster-trade/

[2] Field Level Media. (2025, April 5). Clippers blow out Mavericks, jockey for playoff berth. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/clippers-blow-out-mavericks-jockey-playoff-berth-2025-04-05/

[3] Brener, J. (2025, April 5). Dallas Mavericks: Luka Dončić trade with Lakers ripple effect. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-trade-lakers-ripple-effect

[4] ESPN. (n.d.). Luka Dončić. ESPN. https://www.espn.ph/nba/player/_/id/3945274/luka-doncic

[5] ESPN. (n.d.). Anthony Davis game log. ESPN. https://www.espn.ph/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/6583/anthony-davis

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Norris holds off Verstappen in chaotic Australian season opener” by Will Diether Arinsol

Layout by: Ayris Celine Aqui

Published by: John Kurt Gabriel Reyes

Date Published: March 28, 2025

Time Published: 2:12 PM

On March 16, McLaren’s Lando Norris won a chaotic, rain-filled Australian Grand Prix, securing his first victory at Albert Park by barely holding off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to cross the finish line just 0.895 seconds ahead.

The latter remained within a second of Norris in the final laps, but Norris brilliantly defended to secure his hard-fought fifth career victory.

“It was amazing. Tough race, especially with Max behind me,” Norris said.

He added, “I was pushing, especially in the last two laps. It was a little bit stressful, not going to lie.”

Norris led the race from the start but mixed weather, multiple crashes and a sudden downpour turned the race into a test of racecraft and skill.

Midway through, after most of the drivers had switched to dry-weather tires, a sudden rainfall soaked the track again, dramatically sending both McLarens onto the grass and forcing most of the field to change back to wet-weather tires.

While Norris managed to take back control of his car and change to wet-weather tires, his teammate Oscar Piastri spun off a corner and dropped down the order trying to recover from the incident — a chain of events that released World Champion Verstappen into the lead.

Norris then regained the top spot after Verstappen made his own change to wet-weather tires, just before a crash by Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto triggered a safety car.

Following the third safety car period, the race came down to a close fight between Norris and Verstappen for the lead.

McLaren’s strong performance proves they are ahead in the development battle, demonstrating their car’s impressive pace and tire efficiency.

This gives Norris and Piastri a fighting chance in both the Drivers and Constructors Championships.

REFERENCES:

[1] Formula 1. (2025, March 16). Norris beats Verstappen to victory in dramatic Australian GP opener amid late-race chaos. Formula 1. https://www.formula1.com/.../norris-beats-verstappen-to...

[2] Latham-Coyle, H. (2025, March 16). Lando Norris wins Australian Grand Prix after Verstappen retires early. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/.../f1-australian-grand-prix...

[3] Reuters. (2025, March 16). F1: Lando Norris edges Verstappen to win wild Australian Grand Prix. Inquirer Sports. https://sports.inquirer.net/.../f1-lando-norris-edges...

[4] Wade, S. (2025, March 16). Norris wins wild Australian GP after Verstappen retires with brake failure. AP News. https://apnews.com/.../australian-gp-f1-race...

𝗘-𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 : “T1 escapes G2 in five-map thriller, lifts VCT 2025 trophy” by Franzeid Kym Cerezo

Layout by: Danah Faye Veloso

Published by: Kristine Joyce Soriano 

Date Published: March 11, 2025

Time Published: 10:45 AM

South Korea’s T1 were crowned champions after outlasting North America’s G2 Esports, 3-2, in a thrilling best-of-five grand finals at the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2025: Masters Bangkok, held at UOB live in Thailand, on Sunday, March 2.

T1 made history as the second Pacific region team to conquer an international Valorant event, after Gen.G’s triumph at the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2024: Masters Shanghai.

Kim “Meteor” Tae-Oh earned the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after delivering a stellar performance from start to finish, playing a crucial role in T1’s hard-fought victory.

“It means a lot that I was able to do this with my teammates sitting next to me right now. Being able to do this on a new team, I think, will allow me to stay humble and keep trying my best.” Meteor said after lifting his second international trophy with his new team.

G2 bounced back from an early pistol-round loss on Lotus with a force buy, catching T1 off guard as Trent secured a 1v3 Guardian clutch in round 4. 

He landed headshots on the first two opponents, bought enough time for the spike to detonate, and secured the round win, sparking G2’s momentum. 

A 3k from G2’s Leaf destroyed T1’s economy after he sneaked into B site and precisely eliminated 3 players from the round. His play enabled G2 to take control, which eventually led to an 8-4 advantage by halftime.

G2 carried their momentum to the second half, going on a 5-1 run and securing the first map in the grand finals with a 13-5 victory.

T1 then delivered a counter-punch and won the second map on Haven, 13-9, fueled by Meteor’s strong performance and reliable 1v1s on Iso. 

Riding the momentum from their second map win, T1 started strong on Abyss with a dominant 6-0 run before G2’s JonahP halted their streak and shut down the South Korean squad as they attempted to enter the A site, ending the round with a JonahP 3k. Despite the setback, T1 maintained control and ended the half with an 8-4 lead.

In round 18, Jawgemo was left in a 1v4 situation, isolated the first two T1 players in separate 1v1 duels, and caught the last two lined up for an ace. His heroic play reignited G2’s momentum and pushed them to a 13-11 victory, reaching championship point.

G2 started strong on Split and built a 7-3 lead, but Meteor brought back T1’s momentum with a 1v3 heroic ace clutch, where he took down the G2 players one by one inside his Viper ultimate and secured the round win.

T1 then made a massive comeback, pushed through overtime, and eventually secured the map to tie the series 2-2.

Hungry for victory, T1 wasted no time on Pearl as they immediately pushed to a 5-1 lead and closed the half with an 8-4 advantage.

G2 fought back and forced a five-round overtime battle. In the end, T1 sealed the win as Meteor’s Killjoy Ultimate pressured Jawgemo into a fight, leading to the final elimination and the tournament victory.

Jawgemo led G2 with a game-high 103 kills, playing Yoru exclusively throughout the match in their losing effort.

“We're gonna work even harder, we're gonna take in this loss, let it motivate us and put the rest of the league on notice. We'll be back.” said G2 Coach JoshRT.

With their win, T1 brought home the grand prize of US $250,000 and 5 Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) points.

IMAGE SOURCE:

Valorant. VALORANT Masters Bangkok - Grand Finals. (2025, March 3) Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/valorantesports/54361306160/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/valorantesports/54360907481/

REFERENCES:

[1] G2 Esports vs. T1 | Champions Tour 2025: Masters Bangkok | Playoffs | Valorant match | VLR.gg. (n.d.). VLR.gg. https://www.vlr.gg/449011/g2-esports-vs-t1-champions-tour-2025-masters-bangkok-gf/?game=all&tab=overview

[2] T1 outlasts G2 to lift Masters Bangkok trophy | VLR.gg. (n.d.). VLR.gg. https://www.vlr.gg/457753/t1-outlasts-g2-to-lift-masters-bangkok-trophy

[3] DeSena, G. (2025, March 2). Overtimes abound in epic VCT Masters Bangkok Grand Finals. Esports Illustrated on SI. https://www.si.com/esports/valorant/overtimes-abound-in-epic-vct-masters-bangkok-grand-finals

[4] Moore, B. (2025, March 2). G2 Esports vs. T1 ends with T1 lifting their first trophy at VALORANT Masters Bangkok. esports.gg. https://esports.gg/news/valorant/g2-esports-vs-t1-valorant-masters-bangkok-grand-final-live-results-and-highlights/

[5] T1 are the VALORANT Masters Bangkok champions. (n.d.). GosuGamers. https://www.gosugamers.net/valorant/news/74423-t1-are-the-valorant-masters-bangkok-champions

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “La Salle Phenom Kevin Quiambao unveils Journey into Fatherhood” by Ryan Gabriel V. Eusebio

 

Layout by: Jewell Ann

Published by: Lean Miguel Tizon

Date Published: October 3, 2024

Time Published: 10:31 AM 

UAAP 86 MVP, Kevin Quiambao announced that he is becoming a dad in a mysterious post on X, on the night of September 24, tweeting only a baby boy emoji, and clarified the post to reporters the next day by confirming the arrival of the child.

Quiambao stated that he was feeling grateful for his son’s birth but emphasized that his commitment to La Salle remains strong. He recognized the challenge of balancing fatherhood and his career yet remains determined to thrive in both.

"It’s a blessing. Sobrang blessed ko lang sa puntong ‘to na nakakapaglaro ako at the highest level. Ine-embrace ko ‘tong bagong journey na tatahakin ko. Focus ako sa season and then focus ako sa pag-aalaga sa bata," Quiambao said to reporters on September 25.

Quiambao also refused to take part in naming the child, leaving the decision to let her partner, Faye Aguila, announce it as the mother. However, he mentioned that his newborn will be a new source of motivation for him in the upcoming UAAP Season 87.

DLSU Basketball star, Quiambao faced the challenges as a first-time father and a student-athlete. But he shared that their coaches permitted them to have the freedom to do what they want.

DLSU Head Coach, Topex Robinsons, recognized the potential challenges Quiambao will face and in balancing fatherhood and basketball, emphasizing that the team is prepared to support him in this new chapter while keeping their focus on the season ahead.

IMAGE SOURCES:

[1] Caacbay, K. (2024, September 25). UAAP: Phillips, La Salle vent ire on FEU. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../uaap-phillips-la-salle-vent...

[2] Fuertes Jr., R. (2024, September 25). Topex tells new dad Kevin Quiambao: Be a responsible father, partner. INQUIRER.net.

 https://sports.inquirer.net/.../topex-tells-new-dad-kevin...

REFERENCES:

[1] Caacbay, K. (2024, September 25). New motivation for Kevin Quiambao as he becomes a dad. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../new-motivation-for-kevin

...

[2] Morales, L. (2024). La Salle comes to Kevin Quiambao’s aid as the MVP now juggles basketball and fatherhood. Onesports.ph.

 https://www.onesports.ph/.../la-salle-comes-to-kevin

...

[3] Fuertes Jr., R. (2024, September). Topex tells new dad Kevin Quiambao: “Be a responsible father, partner.” INQUIRER.net.

 https://sports.inquirer.net/.../topex-tells-new-dad-kevin

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Quizon bags PH's 17th GM title after 13 years" by Michael Angelo C. Marquez

 

Layout by: Edward Tabig 

Published by: Haniyah Macadaag

Date Published: September 30, 2024

Time Published: 6:56 PM

Daniel Quizon outsmarted grandmaster Igor Efimov of Monaco in 37 moves, finally reached the 2500-rating plateau, and attained the 17th grandmaster title of the Philippines after 13 years in the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad on September 15, at BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary.

Quizon, who was from Dasmariñas, Cavite, became the 17th Chess grandmaster with his generational talent. 

Oliver Barbosa and Richard Bitoon clinched the Philippines' last GM title in 2011, and Janelle Mae Frayna is the Philippines' one and only woman grandmaster, which she gained in 2017.

Quizon's passion and determination to improve more made him join many international tournaments that allowed him to further enhance his prodigy level chess techniques.

Young age wasn't a reason for Quizon, as he grabbed the International Master (IM) title in 2018 after a trouncing victory with 7.5 points from 9 rounds in the Eastern Asian Junior Championships in Gangeung, South Korea.

Due to his unquestionable flair in Chess, Quizon was qualified for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019, but unfortunately, he failed to claim a spot on the podium; he was also qualified for the Chess World Cup in 2021, but he bids farewell early after his 1st round loss to GM Evgeny Bareev.

In his eagerness to reach the grandmaster title, Quizon further developed his skills and completed the three GM norms requirement.

With experience that he gained during the preceding tournaments, Quizon displayed a high-level performance during the 2023 AQ Prime ASEAN Chess Championship, 2023 Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship, and at the last leg of Hanoi Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2024 in which he completed his three GM norms requirements.

Quizon put the Philippines in 13th place, tied with the other countries with 6 points and will receive 1 million pesos as an incentive from his hometown's mayor, Jenny Barzaga.

IMAGE SOURCE:

Uson, M. (2024, September 15). Daniel Quizon becomes Philippines' 17th chess grandmaster at 20. Philstarlife.

https://philstarlife.com/geeky/216444-daniel-quizon-philippines-17th-chess-grandmaster?page=2

REFERENCES: 

Uson, M. (2024, September 15). Daniel Quizon becomes Philippines' 17th chess grandmaster at 20. Philstarlife.

https://www.google.com/.../216444-daniel-quizon...

Malanum, J. (2024, September 15). Quizon earns GM title at Chess Olympiad; PH teams in 13th spot. Philippine News Agency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233407

Rappler. (2024, September 15). Daniel Quizon earns Grandmaster title as PH rises in Chess Olympiad. Rappler.

https://www.rappler.com/.../daniel-quizon-earns.../

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦: "Ateneo, pinatumba ng UST matapos ang 9 na taon" ni Rhian Faith Ramos

 

Inilathala ni Xenon Linsie Espeleta

Disenyo ni Paul Adrian Aguilar

Petsang inilathala: Setyembre 24, 2024

Oras inilathala: 7:14 AM

Nakamit ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas (UST) ang kanilang unang tagumpay laban sa Unibersidad ng Ateneo de Manila 74-64, sa UAAP Season 87 na nilaro sa Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sa kabila ng mahigpit na laban, nagbukas ang pagkakataon para sa Growling Tigers na lumamang sa huling bahagi ng laro. Tumira ng tres si Crisostomo, habang isang matinding dakdak naman mula kay Kyle Paranada ang nagtapos ng laban sa pabor ng UST.

Pinamunuan ni Mo Tounkara ang opensa para sa Growling Tigers matapos itarak ang 16 na puntos mula sa 14 na rebounds, dalawang assists, isang steal, at isang block. Bukod dito, hindi rin nagpapahuli si Gelo Crisostomo at bumanat ng 16 na puntos, kasama ang 10 rebounds, isang assist, isang steal, at isang block.

Para sa Blue Eagles, nagsalpak si Josh Lazaro ng 18 puntos, na may 10 rebounds, apat na assists, isang steal, at block. Bilang karagdagan, kumolekta si Shawn Tuano ng 13 puntos, habang nag-ambag si Kristian Porter ng 10 puntos at siyam na rebounds.

Ayon kay Pido Jarencio, punong tagapagsanay ng UST, "Ang lahat ay nakasalalay sa mga manlalaro. Sa akin, guidance lang kami sa mga players at ang mga players ang nagpanalo ng laro. Nagsimula kaming mabagal; nung first half, mabibigat ‘yung paa.”

Ngayon, magkatabla na ang Growling Tigers at ang Unibersidad ng De La Salle Green Archers.

Noong nakaraang laban, huling nagwagi ang Growling Tigers laban sa Blue Eagles noong ika-26 ng Setyembre, 2015, na nagtapos sa iskor na 68-58.

MGA SANGGUNIAN:

GMA News. (2024, September 11). UST defeats Ateneo for the first time after nine years. GMA News Online.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../uaap-season-87.../story/....

Valencia, J. (2024, September 12). UAAP Men’s Basketball: UST breaks 9-year drought vs Ateneo. Tiebreaker Times

https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/.../uaap-mens.../312386

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "NU Bulldogs triumphs over FEU Tamaraws for first season win" by Ryan Gabriel V. Eusebio

Layout by: Jewell Ann Calingasan

Published by: Annika Howie Quizana

Date Published: September 20, 2024

Time Published: 2:15 PM

National University secured its first Season 87 victory on September 14, at Smart Araneta Coliseum, overpowering Far Eastern University 62-60 with 15-0 fourth quarter run.

FEU, however, remained in the lead against NU during the third quarter with a quarter score of 55-44, managing its way against NU's team efforts. 

Yet, NU managed to find its rhythm, having a 15-0 streak during the final five minutes of the game, topped off with a three-pointer from Donn Lim and PJ Palacielo hitting one out of his two free throws.

FEU's rookie Janrey Pasaol tried to take a shot from beyond the arc. He missed the shot but was sent to the free-throw line, where he missed all his attempts.

“Hinayaan ko lang sila. Pinagkatiwalaan ko lang silang mag laro,” said Coach Jeff on what influenced their fourth quarter scoring streak.

NU Bulldogs trailed as The FEU Tamaraws led 24-13 and 33-31 at halftime. However, the bulldogs managed to cope against the Tamaraw's strategies by utilizing their bench efforts and organizing team play offensively and defensively

FEU lost even after the outstanding performances of Mohamed Konateh, who had a double-double performance of 17 points followed by 16 rebounds, and Rookie Veejay Pre, who had 15 points followed by 11 rebounds.

NU secured the win despite none of the players reaching double-digit scoring figures, with PJ Palacielo leading NU with 9 Points coupled with 6 rebounds, Jake Figueroa with 8 points and rebounds, and Kenshin Padrones with 8 points and 10 rebounds.

IMAGE SOURCE:

Anzures, R. (2024, September 14). UAAP: National U completes comeback as FEU fires blanks in fourth quarter. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/9/14/uaap-nu-completes-comeback-as-feu-fires-blanks-in-4th-quarter-1845

REFERENCES:

[1] Anzures, R. (2024, September 14). UAAP: National U completes comeback as FEU fires blanks in fourth quarter. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/9/14/uaap-nu-completes-comeback-as-feu-fires-blanks-in-4th-quarter-1845

[2] Javier, N. (2024). NU frustrates FEU for first UAAP win. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/14/nu-frustrates-feu-for-first-win

[3] Dukha, A. B. (2024, September). UAAP: NU rallies past FEU for first win in men’s basketball. INQUIRER.net; INQUIRER.net. https://sports.inquirer.net/584939/uaap-nu-rallies-past-feu-for-first-win-in-mens-basketball

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Meralco rises again with Newsome’s return” by Precious Hannah Mayo

 

Published by: Jasmine Priya G. Nadarajan

Date Published: September 10, 2024

Time Published: 6:48 AM

Meralco Bolts welcomed back their star point guard, Chris Newsome, securing a 109-99 victory over the Northport Batang Pier in Group A of the PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The victory pushed Meralco to a 3-1 record in the Governors' Cup, and they will look to build on this momentum as they face Converge on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum. With Newsome back in the lineup, the Bolts will be looking to make a strong push for a championship run in the Governors' Cup.

Newsome, who had been sidelined for weeks with a sprained left ankle and knee, made his return to the court, contributing six assists and five rebounds in the winning effort. While he played cautiously, limiting his shooting, his presence on the court was a major boost for the Bolts.

During an interview, Newsome stated, "I'm more impressed with our games last time when they were able to get the wins without me."

"My knee's okay and stable, nothing structurally wrong, but the ankle has been bothering me for a bit," said Newsome. "I sprained that one again, and I tried to play through it, but now it's 90-95 percent."

"Earlier, Cliff went out early with just seven playing minutes, no Raymond, no Allein, and it showed a lot about the character of this team," he added.

Despite Newsome's return, the Bolts were still missing several key players due to injuries, including Raymond Almazan, Allein Maliksi, Aaron Black, and Nobert Torres. However, the team's resilience shone through, showcasing their depth and determination.

REFERENCES:

Fuertes, R.,Jr. (2024, September 2.) PBA: Chris Newsome's return to Meralco from injury ends in win. INQUIRER.net.https://sports.inquirer.net/.../pba-chris-newsomes-return

Fuertes, R.,Jr. (2024, September 2.) PBA: Allen Durham leads Meralco pull away to beat Northport. INQUIRER.net.https://sports.inquirer.net/.../pba-chris-newsomes-return

Fuertes, R.,Jr. (2024, September 2.) PBA: Allen Durham says more work to be done for him and Meralco. INQUIRER.net.https://sports.inquirer.net/.../pba-chris-newsomes-return

m's resilience shone through, showcasing their depth and determination.

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Akari outlast PLDT in five-set to secure PVL Finals" by Rhian Faith Ramos

Published by: Annika Howie Quizana

Date Published: September 9, 2024

Time Published: 2:00 PM

In a nail-biting match, Akari defeated PLDT in five-set thriller, 25-23, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, during the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals, at the Mall of Asia on August 31.

The atmosphere was incredibly tense before the last set began. With the score at 14-13, a controversial moment arose when Ezra Madrigal brushed her left shoulder against the net after a block attempt. 

The High Speed Hitters challenged a net fault, but the challenge was unsuccessful and denied by the officials.

According to the FIVB rulebook, Section 11.3.2, "Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antenna, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play." This rule was a central point of argument in the final moments of the match.

Sherwin Malonzo commented on the situation, stating, "There was no fault because her position was already established, with both feet planted, before she turned." However, no video footage of the incident was released to prevent further confusion.

Gretchel Soltones gave the Chargers an early boost with two quick points. However, the Chargers soon faced a setback with a miscue, allowing Majoy Baron from the High Speed Hitters to score. 

Consequently, the High Speed Hitters took the lead with four consecutive points. Despite this setback, the Chargers rallied to win the set 25-23, with Soltones’ decisive attack that secured the set.

In the second and third sets, the High Speed Hitters showed what they could do, taking control and clinching both sets 25-18 and 25-22. 

Lena Samoilenko led the way with her exceptional attacks and key aces, while Kar Fajardo contributed with a series of crucial service aces. 

The game was intensely competitive, with scores staying close throughout and multiple ties adding to the suspense.

Defending their title, the Chargers made an impressive comeback in the fourth set, leveling the match at 2-2. Ivy Lacsina played a pivotal role, delivering a crucial service ace led her team to a 26-24 victory in the set.

After a 10-minute delay, Fiona Ceballos scored twice, bringing the score to 15-14. In response, Gretchel Soltones smashed consecutive attacks that leveled the score.

Samoilenko fell towards the end of the set, enabled the Chargers secured the final set 17-15, advancing to the PVL Reinforced Conference finals.

Akari will face the Creamline Smashers in their quest for a first-ever title in league history.

REFERENCES:

[1] Caacbay, K. (2024, August 31). No net fault: PVL explains controversial call in Akari-PLDT game. ABSCBN NEWS. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../no-net-fault-pvl-explains  

[2] Volleyball net rule. (2021, January 1). Strength and Power Volleyball. https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/net 

[3] Dannug, J. (2024, September 01). Akari triumphs over PLDT in dramatic semis, secures spot in first-ever PVL Final. Tiebreakertimes. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/.../akari-triumphs.../310912

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Archer Bantiloc bids adieu to Paris Paralympics” by Alyanna Latoreno Claveria

Published by: Clark Mariano

Date Published: September 1, 2024

Time Published: 1:47 PM

Fifty-eight-year-old Para archer Agustina Bantiloc closed out her run in the Paris Paralympics on Friday, August 30, in the women’s individual compound open event against Jane Karla Gogel from Brazil.

She registered a season-best 618 points in the ranking round last Thursday but ultimately exited in the 1/16 elimination after a 143-127 defeat to Gogel at the Esplanade des Invalides. 

The match was tightly contested in the first two ends, with Gogel holding a 58-53 lead. However, the Brazilian pulled ahead in the third end with a score of 29, while Bantiloc managed 24. 

Gogel, ranked third in the world, continued her strong performance with another 29 in the fourth end, compared to Bantiloc’s 27, securing a 116-104 advantage. Gogel’s victory sets up a face-off with China’s Zhou Jiamin in the next round on Saturday, August 31.

Bantiloc, who made history as the first Filipino archer to qualify for the Paralympics and served as one of the Philippines’ flag-bearers during the opening ceremony aalongside Ernie Gawilan, gave a commendable performance despite her loss. 

As Bantiloc concluded her historic journey, the remaining five Philippine representatives geared up for their own events.

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦: “Pinay gymnasts, nagtala ng kasaysayan sa 2024 Olympics” ni Precious Hannah Mayo

Inilathala ni: Daniel Joshua Madrid

Petsang Inilathala: Agosto 5, 2024

Oras na Inilathala: 7:15 AM

Sa isang makasaysayang yugto sa larangan ng gymnastics, tatlong Pinay gymnasts na sina Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo, at Aleah Finnegan, ay nagpakitang-gilas sa 2024 Paris Olympics noong Linggo, Hulyo 28.

Si Emma Malabuyo ang umani ng pinakamataas na puntos sa balance beam, na nagpakita ng kanyang kahusayan sa gymnastics.

“𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦,” ibinahagi ni Malabuyo sa kanyang social media account, na nagpapakita ng kanyang determinasyon. “𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭,” dagdag nito.

Hindi nabalewala ang pagpupunyagi ng mga Pinay gymnast. Kinilala sila ng ESPN, ang pangunahing sports news outlet sa Amerika, sa kanilang pagtitiwala sa plataporma ng mga atletang babae, pinupuri ang kanilang mga tagumpay at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa maraming kabataang babae na nais maging atleta sa hinaharap.

Ang kanilang paglaban sa Olympics ay nagpapakita ng pag-unlad ng gymnastic sa Pilipinas. Inaasahan ng publiko na magpatuloy ang suporta para sa mga Pinay gymnast at mas marami pang mga atleta ang makapunta sa Olympics sa hinaharap.

Bagama’t hindi sila nakapasok sa medal round, tunay na makasaysayan ang kanilang pagganap. Naging inspirasyon sila para sa mga kabataang Pinay gymnast at nagpakitang-gilas at ipinamalas ang kanilang mga natatanging talento at galing.

MGA SANGGUNIAN:

Quirino, C., & Quirino, C. (2024, July 29). Pinay gymnasts end campaign, marking first Olympic presence in 60 years. The Filipino Times. https://filipinotimes.net/.../pinay-gymnasts-end.../

Villanueva, R. E. (2024b, July 29). Filipina gymnasts see the end of the road. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/.../filipina-gymnasts-see-end-road

Malasig, J. (2024, July 29). ESPN features the first female PH gymnasts at Olympics after 60 years. Interaksyon. https://interaksyon.philstar.com/.../espn-w-first.../...

Dioquino, D. (2024a, July 28). HIGHLIGHTS, RESULTS: Team Philippines, 2024 Paris Olympics – July 28. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/.../updates-results.../... 

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Yulo seizes two podium finishes in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup" by Sophia Cassandra Durado

 

Layout by Chrisian Jaira Barles

Published by: Louise Tupaz 

Date published: May 2, 2024

Time published : 2:00 PM

Carlos "Caloy" Edriel Yulo bagged home one gold and one silver medals in two different events in the recent 16th FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup held in Doha, Qatar, last Saturday, April 20.

 

Two-time world champion Caloy Yulo first performed in the vault finals and won the silver medal; he scored 15.066 and fell short to Armenia's Arthur Davtyan, who scored 15.166. Yahor Sharamkou of Belarus, with 14.749, came in third.

 

Caloy first scored 15.333 on his first vault attempt, followed by 14.800 on his second attempt.

 

Yulo then secured gold in the next event, the parallel bar finals, where he scored 15.200 to reign ahead of Chinese Taipei’s Hung Yuan-Hsi with 14.966 and Brazil’s Caio Souza with 14.566 in the parallel bars.

In the qualification round of the parallel bar, he ranked second behind Uzbekistan’s Rasulkon Abdurakhimov. In the final round, Abdurakhimov finished fifth with a score of 13.933.

 

Yulo is one of the three Filipino gymnasts who are qualified for the incoming Paris Olympics 2024, along with Aleah Finnegan and Levi Jung-Ruivivar.

 

REFERENCES

The Peninsula Newspaper. (2024, April 21). The Peninsula Qatar. https://m.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/21/04/2024/philippines-star-yulo-wins-a-gold-and-silver-as-artistic-gymnastics-world-cup-ends

GMA Integrated News. (2024b, April 20). Carlos Yulo wins World Cup series gold in parallel bars. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/904264/carlos-yulo-wins-world-cup-series-gold-in-parallel-bars/story/

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Carlos Yulo earns bronze at Baku World Cup finals” by Uriel Gomez

 

Published by: John Kurt Gabriel Reyes

Date Published: March 14, 2024

Time Published: 6:53 AM

Carlos Yulo got back on his feet in the finals after he finished with a bronze in the floor exercise event of 2024 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on March 9.

Showcasing his routines on a difficulty level of 6.3 and an 8.066 point-worth execution, Yulo earned his rightful spot in the third with a total score of 14.366.

This bronze triumph saved the Filipino Olympian and gymnast from almost leaving empty-handed, seeing that he initially failed to advance on the final round of five other apparatuses after not entering the best eight of each during the qualifications.

Following Yulo’s recent performance, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion later revealed that Yulo came into the tournament with sights not actually for the gold.

“He tried his new skills and wasn’t really out to win the gold medal,” Carrion said in a chat message with BusinessMinor. “He’s creating some new skills for the Olympics because all the athletes here are improving a lot.”

Yahor Sharamkou of Belarus was the one who notched the gold in the final of floor exercise with a 14.933 total score, while Japan’s Kazuki Minami went just a step higher than Yulo for the silver with a total score of 14.666.

REFERENCES:

Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation. (n.d.). FIG artistic gymnastics apparatus World Cup, AGF trophy. https://agf.az/.../fig-artistic-gymnastics-appara211572

Ramos, J. (2024, March 10). Yulo gets bronze this time in Baku. BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/.../yulo-gets-bronze-this.../

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦: "Beermen, inuwi ang kampeonato matapos ungusan ang Magnolia sa PBA Finals Game 6" by Sophia Cassandra Durado

Inilithala ni: Ayanna Jeane Salmorin

Petsang Inilithala February 16, 2024

Oras na Inilithala: 7:13 AM

Umarangkada ang San Miguel Beermen sa isang dikit na laban kontra Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots upang masungkit ang kanilang ika-29 na kampeonato, 104-102 sa PBA Commisioners Cup Finals Game 6 na ginanap sa Smart Araneta Coliseum, kahapon.

Pinasiklaban ni Finals MVP Cj Perez mula sa Beermen ang Hotshots matapos nitong mag-ambag ng 28 na puntos na naging hudyat sa pagbaliktad ng laban.

Namayani si Perez at nagbigay ng 24-9 run upang putulin ang kalamangan ng Magnolia na 90-79 sa huling walong minuto ng laban.

Nagpaulan nang sunod-sunod na tatlong puntos si Jericho Cruz ng Beermen sa huling dalawang minuto ng laro na nagdikit sa laban sa 98-97.

“It feels great. Everybody worked hard for his from the coaches to the staff to the PTs, and especially the players. They didn’t give up,” saad ni San Miguel Coach Jorge Gallent.

Namayagpag sa kabilang kuponan si Paul Lee na nagpakawala ng 25 puntos na nag bigay kalamangan sa Magnolia sa loob ng tatlong kanto.

Sinilat ng San Miguel ang abante sa huling isang minuto ng laban matapos tumira ng tatlong puntos ni Chris Ross at nagresulta sa kalamangan na 100-99.

Pinangalagaan nina Magnolia veterans Paul Lee at Mark Barocca ang kanilang kalamangan sa second-half at tinapos ang pangatlong kanto na may kalamangang siyam na puntos.

Nagpalitan ng free-throw shots ang dalawang kuponan sa huling mga segundo ng laban upang pigilan ang paglaki ng puntos ng dalawang panig.

Nakamit muli ng Magnolia ang runner-up, ang kanilang ikaapat na runner-up trophy sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Coach Chito Victolero.

SANGGUNIAN: 

Ventura, S. (2024, February 14). San Miguel Beermen clinch PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup title - ESPN. ESPN.com. https://www.espn.ph/basketball/pba/story/_/id/39524162/san-miguel-beermen-clinch-pba-season-48-commissioner-cup-title

Terrado, J. (2024, February 15). PBA: San Miguel rallies past Magnolia in Game 6 to win latest title. INQUIRER.net. https://sports.inquirer.net/552175/san-miguel-rallies-past-magnolia-in-game-6-to-clinch-latest-pba-title

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Blue Team sleek at 4-0, leading DVA Cup standings" by Ashly Ayhen Jeniebre

 

Photos by: Mr. Michael Arcega

Published by: Ayanna Jeane Salmorin 

Date Published: February 15, 2024 

Time Published: 1:05 PM

Blue Team retained its peak performance, marking a 4-0 dominance against all teams at the DVA Cup's previous games, spanning from January 31 to February 2, held at the Danilo V. Ayap (DVA) Gymnasium.

Blue Team's momentum started right from the get-go as its power play maintained its heat by back-to-back victories against the Orange Team, the Black Team, and the Red Team from the third, fourth and fifth days of the cup, respectively.

This outstanding clean steak from the Blue Team is trailed behind by the Black Team, who clinched their last game at a staggering three wins and one loss spot.

Meanwhile, the Orange Team, who stood weakened, faces another conflict as the Yellow Team climbed at a two-win and two-loss stand after their triumph over the Green Team, who now faltered at a one-win and three-loss mark.

Despite their tenacious attempts, the Red Team stayed at rock bottom with their four losses.