UST-ChE Students Showcase their Sports Talents

news by Ezekiel Escoto and Patrick dela Cruz
photos by Bessie Mae Jose, Rica Glen Marchan, Erika Torres, Lara Lampano (UST-ChES Memdoc)

The Performing Arts and Recreations Committee organized a two-part event entitled “DRIVE: The ChE Varsity Tryouts 2015” held on September 11 and 18 at the Bombers Court Sampaloc, Manila that seeks to manifest the skills of Chemical  Engineering Students in basketball and volleyball.

Due to the exit of the senior players, respective teams in both volleyball and basketball need to fill the gap in order for them to compete in the next tournaments. In lieu of this, the feisty young aspirants, who are ready to take their game to the next level, lit their own fire as they show off their athletic side. Players who will be effective in the system will crack a spot on the team.

The Basketball team, led by team captain John Philip David and coach Nico Sardea, took out the gas from the cagers as they work on their drills to school their conditioning and fundamentals (shooting, dribbling, passing & etc.). Group workouts and scrimmages were done to promote communication and chemistry between the players on and off the court. Being a former hoopster of the team, Coach Sardea instigated the players that will push them to ball harder. ”Mahalaga ang disiplina sa bawat laro, kailangan tapusin niyo ang drills nang maayos, kung dito pa lang di niyo na magawa paano kapag actual game na.”, he stated.

After the successful 2 day tryouts, a 20-man training pool was screened from the hopefuls. The twenty (20) fortunate members include eight (8) players from last year’s roster and twelve (12) rookies.  Remarkable players stood out from the crop with their uncanny ability in each aspect of the game that will definitely help the team grab some W’s. Known as the team that lacks outside shooting, Gio Castillo and Kaile Miralo showed some brilliance by splashing a number of triples. Denzel Soliaban, Angelo Orallo and Toffee Paddayuman can pull off the run and gun with their speed and leaping ability. Nursing the paint with their size and post offense were Biel Dar and Alec Cortez. RJ Loring and Miguel Gloria slashed their way to the basket by being crafty with the ball which may attract defense away from the outside shooters. The 12-man lineup will be picked rigidly after a series trainings and evaluation.

Volleyball team

For volleyball, the torch was passed on to the triumvirate of Ian Micaller, Jerina Pangilinan and Daljit Singh; all of which are fifth year students. Their experience and volleyball IQ will surely help in leading the team. When asked about the performance of this year’s players, co-captain Ian Micaller said “Mas bonded, more improved, magagaling yung mga bata.”

Twelve (12) students tried out for the team. Notable potential recruits include: Eloisa Sariño and Dan Taplacido, known for their offence and defense skills, Thomas Mercado who possesses tremendous vertical leap and Trisdale Wong who has the potential to be one of the team's primary setters. This year's Engineering women's volleyball team captain, Renzi Barotac, also showed interest in joining the team, her being on the team this year will mean a solid lineup. Add the fact that the team will have regular training; and there the Chemical engineering department may have a title contender.

A ChES graphical announcement on the results of the tryouts.

Volleyball and Basketball final squads will represent the Chemical Engineering Department in the annual Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineering Olympics (PiChElympics) and Engineering Sportsfest. Athletes who will land a spot on any team will be acknowledged through the UST ChES Page.