It was a tumultuous weekend for De La Salle University, as it captured two UAAP championships in succession, both in overpowering fashion.
The Green Booters ended UST’s football championship streak, which lasted for more than three decades, with a 2-1 decision last Saturday at the Ateneo College field.
La Salle swept all its assignments, averaging more than four goals per game, and coming close to a shut-out against their foes. Only the Tigers were able to score against the champions, courtesy of a penalty shot at that.
Christian Lozano dropped the first goal in the 48th minute with a header and made a pass to Tuteng Marasigan for the last goal in the 57th minute.
As expected, the title match was filled with tension that resulted in a free-for-all in the second half. Lozano was adjudged Rookie of the Year and was only two goals away from Martin Abay’s (of UST) stats that earned him the title as this year’s Best Scorer. Tats Ramos was also named Best Goalkeeper for the second straight year, and Tuteng Marasigan was hailed as the Most Valuable Player.
The following day at the Rizal Pool, the Green Tankers displayed their old fighting form by demolishing UST and defending champion UP.
Vincent Garcia broke four swimming records, three of which are his own. He established new marks in the 50- and 100- meter butterfly, and the 50m and 100m freestyle.
O-Y Casillan topped the long distance events, which include the 400m and 1500m freestyle, and also the 200m butterfly. Compatriot Benjamin Reyes also would up first in the 50m and 100m breastroke and 200m backstroke.
The squad tallied 307 points against UST’s 255. The Maroons dropped to third spot.
The women’s team settled for third, as Among Jimenez grabbed four individual gold.
The Green Tennisters’ quest for the title was presented by rain, though. Currently, DLSU leads UP, 1-0, in the best-of-three championship series. Game 2 was rescheduled for Sunday, February 12 at the UP-Diliman court.
Victories in the two events put La Salle in a much stronger position in the overall standings.
