The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) dominated the collegiate esports scene in Cebu as they became the champions of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Esports League (CEL) Preseason tournaments.
The tournaments took place on August 10 and11, 2024 at the SM Seaside City Cebu.
USJ-R defeated the reigning CEL Season 2 Regular Season Champions, University of San Carlos (USC), 3-0, in a best-of-five series to claim this year's Mobile Legends preseason title on August 10, 2024.
In Game 1, USJ-R started strong by taking the major objectives early in the game. USJ-R took advantage of their early 4-1 kill lead five minutes into the game to take the victory.
Game 1 ended with a 13-7 kill-score, in favor of USJ-R. Klevince Marikit, the jungler of USJ-R, had five kills, zero deaths, and four assists to earn the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.
Joseph Burgos, the gold laner of USJ-R, took control in Game 2. It was a close early game but USJ-R pulled ahead in the 7:50 mark with a 9-7 kill lead.
The game ended with a victory for USJ-R to take match point, Joseph Burgos spearheaded the team in Game 2 with six kills, two deaths, five assists.
It was a full display of dominance by USJ-R in the third game. Ending it with a massive 16-3 kill-score to win the game and take this year's preseason title.
The MVP of the series, Klevince Marikit, scored an impressive 14 kills, 14 assists, and was deathless in the entire series.
Joseph Burgos is hopeful that their school would reward them for this feat.
“Hopefully the higher ups of USJ-R would see our efforts bringing glory to the school's name through our team's dedication and hardwork that showcases the Josenian ethic, and would grant scholarships and to consider us as bonafied varsity athletes.” said Burgos
The other members of team are Steven Pritz Casas, Rholdan Nuel Yee, Jericho Chua, Zandale Pagador, Edrian Vince Arriesgado, and Edrian Fritz Gabriel Garcia.
This is USJ-R's first Mobile Legends title since the first season of CEL that started back in 2022.
In the Valorant preseason finals, last preseason's runner-up, UCLM, defeated USC, 2-1, in their best-of-three series on August 11, 2024.
In Game 1, UCLM scored the first four rounds to take an early lead. USC answered back by taking rounds five, seven, eight, and nine.
Game 1 ended with a 13-6 victory for UCLM to take match point of the series.
USC retaliated in Game 2 with a 13-8 victory to equalize the series and force a deciding Game 3.
In a decisive third game, UCLM once again took the first four rounds. USC rallied back in rounds five to eight to tie the score, 4-4. UCLM took the next three rounds to retake the lead and maintain it until the very end.
UCLM won the third game, 13-8, and were crowned as this year's CEL Valorant Preseason Champions.
John Reymar Laresma was hailed as the MVP of the series, scoring a total of 50 kills, and eight assists with an Average Combat Score (ACS) of 227.3.
On August 13, 2024 the team were recognized by the UC university officials through a courtesy call at the President's Office in the university's main campus.
Markly Bry Canton, the team captain of UCLM, expressed his appreciation for the team's achievement.
“This preseason title brought pride to our school and created a stronger community spirit.,” Canton said.
The other players of UCLM are Rigil Kent Payo, Samuel Gabriel Pino, Justin De Castilla, Louie Jay Labajo, and Kent Jyls Noel.
Both teams received praises from their family, friends, and their respective schools for representing their schools in this tournament.
(Contributed story by Marlon Ado. The author is a third year communication student of the University of San Carlos.)
