The DLSU Green and Lady Tankers delivered a remarkable showing at the UAAP Season 88 Swimming Tournament, held from November 6 to 9 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, demonstrating a balance of individual excellence and cohesive teamwork in the relay events achieving back-to-back podium finishes.
Throughout the tournament, the Green-and-White contingent showed nothing less than grit and determination. Several standout performances who led the campaign were Alexander Chu, who set new records in the tournament’s distance events, and fellow Green Tankers Peter Dean, Bryce Barraza, and Reiniel Lagman who reinforced the team’s steady dominance through their respective podium finishes. On the Lady Tankers’ side, Mikaela Talosig, Janelle Chua, and Ysabella Alcazar anchored the strong podium finishes that embodied the skill, composure, and determination of the team.
Promising starts
The Green and Lady Tankers showed immense promise from the start, looking to dive in and create waves to sweep the competition away. On the first day of the tournament, Green Tanker Chu, along with Dean, Barraza, and Lagman, set a new UAAP record in the Men’s 800-meter Freestyle Relay, clocking in at 7:58.75 and surpassing the previous 8:00.19-record. Chu then further solidified his dominance in distance events, shattering yet another UAAP record on Day 3 of the Men’s 1500-meter Freestyle, achieving a gold medal time of 16:32.85, beating the previous record by at least three seconds. Lagman joined the podium in the 1500-meter event, securing a bronze medal with a time of 16:59.26.
The Taft-based squad continued to put on outstanding performances: Dean showcased his versatility, clinching silver in the 400-meter Individual Medley with a time of 4:47.63 and another silver in the 100-meter Backstroke with a time of 59.07 seconds. Estifano Joshua added to the Backstroke event dominance by taking the bronze medal finish with a time of 59.39 seconds. Additionally, the Men’s 400-meter Medley Relay team of Dean, Barraza, Nathan John Mangulabnan, and Ted Job Laminta secured a bronze medal finish with a time of 3:57.71. The men’s 400-meter Freestyle team of Laminta, Kenzzie, Trey Dumanglas, Jaren Rylie Tan, and Lagman finished strong as well, as they secured the second-runner-up finish in the relay event with a time of 3:35.79.
Making strides
The Lady Tankers also clinched podium finishes in individual and relay team competitions. Chua opened the tournament with multiple top-three placements, clocking in the time of 1:01.27 in the 100-meter Freestyle and 1:01.19 in the 100-meter Backstroke. Meanwhile, Talosig dove headfirst into victory, earning the gold finish in the 800-meter Freestyle event at 9:50.35 before earning silver in the 200-meter Freestyle event with a time of 2:13.62. Chua also chipped in and added a bronze medal finish in the same event with a time of 2:13.81, while Alcazar finished at 29.77 seconds and secured a bronze medal finish in the 50-meter Butterfly event.
The Lady Tankers continued their momentum in the relay events, as Shane Lugay, Milcah Therese Mina, Ashley Wong, and Chua captured the silver medal finish in the 200-meter Medley Relay. The quartet of Hannah Sanchez, Lugay, Mina, and Wong claimed bronze in the 200-meter freestyle relay event with a time of 1:53.76.
The power of camaraderie
Through multiple podium finishes and record-breaking times, the DLSU Green and Lady Tankers have made their strength and tenacity known throughout the entire tournament, respectively clinching first runner-up and second runner-up. Green Tanker Chu, together with his team, forged a path that made waves in UAAP history and gave performances to remember. He gave it everything he had and fought hard with the team regardless of the outcome believing in his hard work and instincts. “I believed in myself and stayed composed, even when the pressure was at its highest. Instead of letting it weigh me down, I used it as fuel to perform better.” Chu admitted, as it served as a reminder to him that he was capable and put in the work and deserved to be there.
Chu and Chua reminisced on their journey to Season 88, from preparation to their overall experiences. From waking up before sunrise to pushing through rigorous training sessions before the season, all these efforts bore fruit in the biggest stage of the competition. As the season was brought to a close, they ended it on a high note with multiple medals and record-breaking times on their belt, proving that their meticulous practice and preparations were realized. “We supported each other not only as swimmers but as friends who truly care [about each other]. Every high and low brought us closer together.” Chua proudly stated, expressing his esteem toward his teammates. In light of this, Chu and Chua agreed that the accomplishments, dedication, and chemistry of the team were what kept them going and have brought them this far.
The four-day tournament highlighted how far the teams have gone and moments that brought the team to where they have achieved, not just in the tournament but throughout the whole journey. “The most significant lesson I learned was the importance of consistency and mental resilience. Throughout the season, there were both highs and lows, but staying disciplined in training and keeping a strong mindset made all the difference, especially during the toughest races,” Chu concluded.
Fueled by their experiences, circumstances, and desire to reach new heights, the team’s aspirations and morale remain high. As their championship journey continues, the Green-and-White look to maintain their momentum towards the next season and achieve an even higher outing.
