San Beda University again dominated NCAA swimming as the tournament returned for Season 98.
The Red Sea Lions topped the standings with 1,573.50 points in the women's events and 1,496 points in the men's events to take home the overall championship on Saturday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
"Thankful ako kasi nag-respond 'yung school na payagan kami makapag-training, at least nakapag-adjust 'yung mga bata after [the lockdowns]," San Beda head coach Dondon Roxas said.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, walang expectation. Gusto ko lang makita paano kayo mag-swim and huwag n'yo isipin kung paano i-defend. Lumangoy kayo and then pag natapos, in-announce na tayo ang nag-champion, nagawa n'yo ang part n'yo."
Amber Cawaling was named the Most Outstanding Swimmer after topping six events (100m LC freestyle, 400m LC freestyle, 200m LC freestyle, 100m LC backstroke, 800m LC freestyle, and 50m LC freestyle) and being part of top teams in women's 400m LC freestyle relay with Mary Ann Velasco, Stefany Sa-ac, and Angel Lyn Docabo and women's 400m LC medley relay with Sa-ac, Docabo, and Sophia Bulanhagui.
"Sobrang saya lang kasi na-defend namin [ang championship]. Ipinakita namin and binigay namin ang best namin sa kada swim namin," Cawaling said.
On the men's side, Fritz Rodriguez was the outstanding swimmer as he topped four events (200m LC IM, 50m LC breaststroke, 50m LC butterfly, 100m LC breaststroke) and was part of top teams in 400meter LC butterfly, along with Lean Dagum, Kent Cagape, and Josh Baquiano, and 200m freestyle relay with Baquiano, Dagum, and Jesus Tierra.
"Nao-overwhelm ako kasi dati pangarap ko lang and ngayon na-achieve ko na, which is a great feat para sa sariling career ko," Rodriguez said.
However, Rodriguez said this is his last year in his collegiate career and is already challenging their next in line, particularly rookie Lucio Cuyong who set a new record for the 200m breastroke.
"China-challenge ko na 'yung susunod na generation ng Bedista na swimmer na i-break pa lalo at pahabain pa 'yung record," Rodriguez said.
The NCAA swimming event was hosted by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
