Games Set Off in 7th CICM Schools Friendship Meet 

The 7th Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Friendship Meet set off for an action-packed and exciting day on 20 February 2024 as the games officially began for the CICM Schools in various venues spread across the Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus, SLU Navy Base Campus, and the SLU Laboratory Elementary School Campus.

After an enthralling opening day, day one of the competitions carried on the enthusiastic spirits, with delegates eager to get off to a great start, passionately taking on the courts and stages as they marched forward with their heads held high.

The events that concluded include the bible and CICM quiz bees, chess, and vocal competitions. Other games that began their first leg were sepak takraw, basketball, badminton, table tennis, and volleyball.

The events in this article were covered by the University Information Office (UIO), in collaboration with the SLU student publications: Basic Education School (BEdS)-Tanglaw Hilaga, BEdS-The Louisian, BEdS-The Young Louisian Courier, Daily Dose (School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences), SCHEMA (School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies), Stellaris (School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts), The Buttress (School of Engineering and Architecture), and White & Blue, the official student publication of SLU. 

Over 40 student journalists and photojournalists have dedicated their time and craft in the coverage of the week-long competitions. 

Bible and CICM Quiz Bees instill CICM Spirit into young Louisians

Showing their dedication and familiarity with the culture and history of CICM, the participating students showed their commitment to instilling the CICM spirit into their hearts and minds through each quiz item. 

Alexandrea Bella E. Matias and Gabriel Alexander R. Orquia of SLU Baguio won first place in the Elementary Level Bible Quiz Bee during the 7th CICM Friendship Meet held at the Gerard Decaestecker Hall, Navy Base, Baguio City. Both excelled in the multiple-choice and identification phases of the quiz under the guidance of their coach, Mrs. Virginia V. Dela Cruz, and Religion Learning Area Coordinator, Mrs. Aimee B. Awas. 

SLU bagged first place in the elementary level bible quiz bee with 62 points, followed by Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, in second place with 58 points. Saint Mary’s University Bayombong, got third place with 53 points, while the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao in fourth place with 46 points. 

Five schools participated in the CICM high school quiz bee: Saint Louis University (SLU) Baguio, Saint Louis College of San Fernando (SLC-LU), Saint Mary’s University (SMU), University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USL), and Saint Louis College of Cebu (SLCC). The quiz bee pertains to the content of the CICM coffee table book spanning 100 years. 

SLCC won first place with 92 points, SLU-LU came in second with 90 points, SLU took third place with 79 points, USL placed fourth with 71 points, and SMU finished fifth with 70 points.

The participants from SLCC dominated both the multiple-choice and identification rounds of the quiz bee. Vince Jairyl B. Amores and Criz Nino C. Colo from SLCC, under the supervision of their coach, Excelsis Jae M. Balaza won first place. 

The awarding ceremony of both quiz bees was held right after the event spearheaded by SLU BEdS School Principal, Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, and  SLU BEdS Assistant to the Principal for Academics, Mrs. Lorna E. Lucas. 

Chess highlights intellectual and strategic brilliance of CICM players

Taking the competition over three steps ahead, the chess gambits racked their brains in a competitive and jam-packed day of Chess at the Bishop William Brasseur Hall, SLU Laboratory Elementary School Campus. The battle of strategies saw multiple champions among the different divisions of this Meet’s chess games.

Opening the competition, the first round featured SMU, SLCC, USL, and SLC-LU.

Elementary boys and girls players for SMU opened their games with its girls team taking a 1-0 victory against SLCC, with their next match with the boys team facing off against USL ending in a draw.

For the elementary girls participants of USL and SLC-LU, it was USL moving forward with a 1-0 win. On the other hand, the SLCC and SMU also ended in a draw for the boys division.

For the Junior High division for boys, SLC-LU got off to a great start winning over SLCC, followed by the USL vs SMU match, with SMU coming out on top.

For their female counterparts, SMU continued their great start snagging a 1-0 victory against SLCC. SLU on the other hand came out on top after going head-to-head with SLC-LU.

SMU dominated Round 2. In the College category, SMU swept off SLC-LU, winning all the boards, 4-0 in both men and women divisions. Meanwhile, in the Men’s division match between SLU and USL, host-school SLU was overpowered by USL, with USL coming out on top with a win and a draw, 2.5-1.5.

In the Women’s Division of the Junior High School,  SLU defeated SLCC and SMU was taken down by USL. In the men’s division, SMU edged SLCC, while SLC-LU upset SLU.

Moreover, in the Elementary Women’s Division, SLCC bested SLU, while SLC-LU and SMU evened-out the match, ending in a draw. Consequently, in the Men’s Division, SMU and USL outsmarted their rivals, SLC-LU and SLU.

Chess players from SLU, SLC-LU, SLCC, USL, and SMU then battled with tactics and skills in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the Chess Competitions.

For the College Group Division, the SLU Women’s Team wiped out the SMU Women’s Team with 4-0 on the board. Meanwhile, USL went over against SLC-LU with 3-1. SMU and SLU had a close tie for the Men’s Team with 2-2, while SLC-LU earned 2.5-1.5 on the board against USL.

On the other hand, USL topped the Chess Elementary Boys Division with three points overall, followed by SLC-LU, SLU, SMU, and SLCC.

Meanwhile, SLU took the top spot in the Girl’s Division with three points, with USL, SLCC, SMU, and SLC-LU, subsequently. For the high school division, SLU led the boys and girls divisions. Meanwhile, SLU and SMU had close scores to the top position for the senior high division.

In summary, the result of the chess games is as follows: 

Elementary

• Boys
  • Gold – RAZOTE, Demitri (USL)
  • Silver – CARREON, Rhenzell (SLC-LU)
  • Bronze – ELEGADO, Lucas (SLU)
• Girls
  • Gold – ENRIQUEZ, Jacqueline (SLU)
  • Silver – MACATUGAL, Eraina (USL)
  • Bronze – RAMIREZ, Clarisse (SLCC)

Junior High 

• Boys
  • Gold – GUANGO, Kurt (USL)
  • SIlver – CABAHUG, Niel (SLCC)
  • Bronze – CARREON, Dave (SLC-LU)
• Girls
  • Gold – BARRY, Theresa (SLU)
  • SIlver – NANALES, Mischa Eimee (SLC-LU)
  • Bronze – ABANA, Liane Jasmine (USL)

Senior High

• Boys
  • Gold – MAMAL, Ivan (SLCC)
  • Silver – PACULLA, James (SMU)
  • Bronze – COPILING, John (SLC-LU)
• Girls
  • Gold – EDU, Frinz (SLU)
  • Silver – MANAUAG, Rhiyann (USL)
  • Bronze – VAILONES, Jamilla (SMU)

College Teams

• Men
  • Gold – Saint Mary’s University
  • Silver – Saint Louis College of  San Fernando City La Union
  • Bronze – University of Saint Louis
• Women
  • Gold – Saint Louis University
  • Silver – University of Saint Louis
  • Bronze – Saint Mary’s University

Individual Events

• Men
  • Board 1 – MEDINA, Shariff (SMU)
  • Board 2 – BACCAY, Ullyses (USL)
  • Board 3 – NUNEZ, Mark (SMU)
  • Board 4 – SANTIAGO, Melbraei (SMU)
• Women
  • Board 1 – RUSSIANA, Christine (SLU)
  • Board 2 – PACITENO, Janna (SLU)
  • Board 3 – CADIAY, Aya Mae (SLU)
  • Board 4 – TOLENTINO, Liana Mory (USL)

CICM performers serenade hearts with brilliant harmonies during Vocal Competitions

Soothing melodies and angelic voices mesmerized the audience at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen – Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Theater as this year’s participants took to the stage, belting it out in the different divisions.

Delegates from various CICM schools graced the crowd with their voices during the Vocal Competition of the 7th CICM Schools Friendship Meet Cultural Event at Saint Louis University’s Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA). 

The vocal competition featured six categories: Vocal Solo Elementary, Junior High School Trio, Senior High School Vocal Solo, Senior High School Pop Acapella, College Vocal Duet and College Pop Acapella. The winners are as follows:

Vocal Solo (Elementary):

• Champions: Saint Louis College of  Cebu (SLCC) and Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
• 1st Runner Up: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC-LU)
• 2nd Runner Up: Saint Louis University (SLU)

Trio Junior (High School): 

• Champion: Saint Louis University (SLU)
• 1st Runner Ups: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC-LU) and Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
• 2nd Runner up: Saint Louis College of Cebu (SLCC)

Vocal Solo (Senior High School):

• Champion: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC-LU)
• 1st Runner Up: University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao (USL)
• 2nd Runner Up: Saint Louis College of Cebu (SLCC)

Pop Acapella (Senior High School):

• Champion: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC-LU)
• 1st Runner Up: University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao (USL)
• 2nd Runner Up: Saint Louis University (SLU)

Vocal Duet (College):

• Champion: Saint Louis University (SLU)
• 1st Runner Up: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC – LU)
• 2nd Runner Up: University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao (USL)

Pop Acapella (College):

• Champion: Saint Louis University (SLU)
• 1st Runner Up: Saint Louis College of San Fernando La Union (SLC – LU)
• 2nd Runner Up: Saint Mary’s University (SMU)

Before the announcement of winners, Mr. Andrew Macalma, the University Registrar, stated that the panel and university decided not to break ties given the high caliber of performances and the CICM Friendship’s aim for inclusivity. 

Sepak Takraw matches have players jump out to perfect starts 

The teams kicked off the morning with competitive plays of Sepak Takraw at the Prince Bernhard Gym, with the first set of matches filled with cheerful but competitive smiles from our student participants. 

SLU jumped onto a great start with a dominating win against SLU-LU (2-0) in Match 1, ending the game with a score of 15-3, 15-8.

In Match 2,  SMU took their first winning kick against USL (2-0). USL tried to keep up with their opponent, but SMU was determined and ended the game with a score of 15-12, 15-8.

SLU then claimed their second victory as they defeated USL (2-0) in the 3rd match. A hand-quenching game at the 2nd set as USL tried to make a comeback but SLU spikes put in a finish and ended the game with a score of 15-9, 15-13.

SMU kicked their way to a second win in their match against SLC-LU (2-0) in the 4th match. It was a close game in the 1st set, but a strong finish was settled by SMU in the 2nd set, concluding the game with a score of 15-13, 15-7.

Scorching basketball games spark the first day of hoops 

As the players proudly took the court for this Meet’s basketball matches, the gyms were filled to the brim as supporters and players from the different sister schools were also in attendance to support their beloved teams. 

Game 1: Despite keeping a close score in the first two quarters, SMU lost the first game to SLU in Game 1, College Men’s Basketball, with a final tally of 82-72 at the Prince Bernhard Gym (PB Gym). After taking the lead of three points at the end of the second quarter, SLU continued to widen the gap up to the fourth quarter, finally securing a win.

Game 2: SLC-LU went on to triumph over USL in a comeback thriller during the fourth quarter today. Despite USL taking a dominant lead especially in the first and third quarters, SLC-LU took the lead in the fourth quarter winning 88-85 on a comeback during the last few minutes.

Game 3: SLU won against the USL with a score of 78-53. In a spectacle of skill and determination, SLU showcased their dominance on their home court with precision passes, impeccable defense, and three-point shooting. As athletes exchanged handshakes and hugs, they departed with memories that would last a lifetime, united by the shared experience of friendship found on the court.

Game 4:  An amazing feat was won by SMU against SLC-LU with a staggering 70-39 score. As the final buzzer sounded, signaling SMU’s victory, the jubilation in the arena was palpable. It was not just about securing a crucial victory—it was about showcasing their unwavering dedication that when they play together, anything is possible.

Game 5:  In an anticipated Basketball College Men match-up between SLU and SLC-LU, SLU dominated the court. SLU set the tone, taking the lead with a score of 25-11 in the first quarter. With a 15-5 gap, SLU displayed superior tactics. From quarter two, SLU continued their dominance, leading with a score of 55-23. In the third quarter, the game ended with a score of 79-35. In the final round, with a score of 90-42, a player from SLC-LU suffered a minor injury. 

GAME 6: In a thrilling showdown, USL showcased their athleticism on the court, delivering a commanding performance leading them to victory against SMU, 90-83. With good offense and pinpoint three-pointers, their display of skill and teamwork proved unmatched as they secured a decisive win. USL wasted no time turning the tables from 1st quarter to 4th quarter, closely bridging the gap with a score of 26-17, 46-46, 61-70, and 83-90.

GAME 7: With the score of 82-77, SLC-LU won over USL, securing the first Junior High Men Basketball. SLC-LU sealed the game during an overtime due to tied scores during the final quarter.

GAME 8: SLU prevailed in a game with SLCC as they get the score of 75-89 during the Junior High basketball match. The match proved to be tight as the teams gained up on each other by the minute. SLU posed as a tough opponent and won the game by 14 points.

GAME 9:  SLC-LU finished strong with a final score of 88-68 against USL. This was the first match among the Senior High Male category. The halftime match remained tight with the score of 39-37, with SLC-LU still leading. SLC-LU sustained, remained consistent, and won against USL with almost 20 points ahead. 

GAME 10: SLU and SLCC brought up a heated match. SLU rained shots as they trounced the first halftime with a score of 41-28 against SLCC. The last two quarters turned more intense as SLCC managed to broaden the gap against SLU. However, SLU remained persistent and finished strong with a final score of 79-74.

GAME 11: SLU dominated the court against SMU in the 1st match of the Basketball Highschool Boys category ending the game with the scores of 88-54.

GAME 12: USL took the win against SLCC in the 12th match in the Basketball Highschool Boys category ending the game with the scores of 69-58.

GAME 13: ​​With an overwhelming 28-14, 46-33, 68-49, 90-74 quarterly scores, the SLU Cubs triumphed over SMU Blue Phoenix, clinching their second win in the Senior High Men’s Basketball category. SMU’s Ramos’ free-throw shot in the last 30 seconds of the game was far from enough to narrow the margin as the Cubs’ was able to maintain their momentum throughout the game, successfully giving them the advantage.

GAME 14: USL secured a win against SLCC in a tense basketball game of Senior High Men. Claiming a 4-point lead against the USL Wolfoxes in the first quarter, the SLC Cardinals failed to keep the momentum in the remaining periods, losing in all 3 quarters. The Cardinals managed to chase points in-between the halves, but the Wolfoxes hooped strong consistent shots, securing the match and their first win at 73 points against SLCC’s 59.

Game 15: SLC-LU and USLU displayed impressive athleticism throughout the games in both Elementary Divisions. SLC-LU edged ULS with a 10-point lead, claiming their victory against their opponent. For the 1st and 2nd quarters, ULS was leading the game, 8-15 ; 7-8 respectively. However, theSLC-LU Jaguars overturned them for the 3rd and 4th quarters with 18-10, 17-7, controlling and ultimately winning the game. 

Game 16: SLCC won Game 16 of the Basketball Boys Elementary category over SMU. The first quarter ended with a score of 15 -13 in favor of SMU. The SLCC team, however, conquered the second quarter of the game with a score of 26-31. It was a tough match as the third quarter ended with a score of 38-46 still in favor of SLCC. The fourth quarter came to a close match between the two teams as SMU tried to shoot more baskets. With the speed and agility of player 26, Baptista, the team was able to come close to their goal but with just a few seconds left on the watch, the game ended with SLCC claiming the victory with a score of 52-54. 

Game 17: SLU handed SMU its first loss in the Women’s Division as they hacked out a 47-19 win to wrap up the opener game. SLU fired off a 25-8, leaving SMU shell-shocked at the end of the first half. The stretch continued to spark the surge as SMU sank to a 28 point hole, with 2:50 remaining in the fourth. The second half of the game did little to help SMU save the day as SLU created enough gap to last them until the final buzzer.

Game 18:  After a rough start, SLC-LU turned things around in the second half rout against USL, 48-43, and clinched their first victory in the Women’s High School category. SLC survived a tight-duel against USL as they were trailed by a 5-point margin early in the third quarter, before staging a huge last quarter comeback where they orchestrated a thrilling lay-up, taking the lead, 44-43. With 2:40 left on the clock, SLC once again tallied a lay-up, along with a foul that cruised two free throws, propelling their first pull away win.

GAME 19: SLCC triumphed over the SLU in the 19th game of Basketball Elementary Boys category. With a close match at the first quarter of the game with a score of 16-12 in favor of SLU, the SLCC Cardinals swept the three remaining quarters. Having a six-point lead at the end of the second quarter, the Cardinals remarkably scored a number of baskets in the third quarter having a score of 25-39 in their favor. The SLU team tried their best to defend the team as they move on with the last quarter of the game. The determination of the Cardinals however gave their way towards triumph as they end the match with a 22-point lead, 51-29. Armed with a strong will, the two teams shake each other’s hand at the end of the game ready to start a new in their upcoming games.  

Game 20: SLC-LU broke through in the Elementary Basketball tournament, shunning SMU in a stellar finish. SMU fueled an explosive start, leading by as many as 10 points early in the first half, 36-26. However, as the clock ticked down to the last two quarters of the match, SLC-LU came roaring back in the fourth, burying a dagger corner three, clinching the lead, 57-53. With three minutes remaining, the tight match turned to be a victory on a setback for SLC-LU, with a final score of 67-64. SLC-LU picked up their second straight win for a 2-0 card, while SMU remained winless in two games.

Game 21: SLU slipped past USL, 62-36, in Game 21 of the Women’s High School Basketball. SLU looked on its way to a convincing win after it mounted a 48-25 lead midway through the third quarter, igniting a 23-2 run. This spawned enough deficit to last SLU until the final buzzer-beater. SLU streaked to their second straight win to claim a 2-0 record. USL, on the other hand, slid down at 0-2.

Game 22: SLC registered their second win. Despite keeping a close match, SLC-LU managed to stun SMU in the last game for the Women’s High School Basketball category. Both teams went head-to-head as they ended the first quarter in a deuce, 17-17. However, as the game progressed up to the last 4 minutes of the fourth quarter, SLC-LU orchestrated a 10-point lead, pulling away from the clenched tally of scores. SMU tried to cruise the margin, but they fell short, swept by SLC-LU, 49-42. 

Heated battles take place for Badminton’s first day 

The teams ignited their rackets with a busy first day of Badminton matches at the Gonzaga Gym, playing their hearts out as they conclude 5 rounds of Badminton matches for today’s lineups.

ROUND 1: Elementary Singles Girls, Junior High Boys and Girls Singles

SLCC fell to SMU despite showing a promising lead during the early part of Game 1. SMU snatched the win with a score of 23-21. In the second game, it was SMU who once again prevailed, sealing the gameat 21-17, giving a 2-0 final score. 

For the elementary singles girls: SLU prevailed over USL grabbing a 2-1 win, followed by SMU showing out in a definitive win against SLC, taking a 2-0 victory with sizable leads in their sets.

As for the junior high boys singles: SLC-LU took the hard-fought 2-1 win over USL, while SMU on the other hand swiftly came out on top against SLCC.

For their women counterparts, the junior high girls singles: SLCC cruised to a 2-0 victory after facing off with SLU, creating statement wins with their two sets won.

ROUND 2: Elementary Singles Boys

For the round two of elementary singles boys: SLC-SLU were able to rack up 2 wins to none against SLU, winning both sets in double digits. At the same time, SMU and USL battled it out for three sets, with USL coming out on top, 2-1.

Delegates showcase table tennis supremacy 

The first set of Table Tennis matches featured the heated lineups of table tennis matches at the Gonzaga Gym. 

ROUND 1

For the first round, three CICM schools, SLU, SMU, and SLC-LU, battled it out in four different categories: Junior High school Singles Boys (JRSB), Senior High school Single Boys (SRSB), College Men Singles 1 (CMS1), and College Men Singles 2 (CMS2).

SLU bagged the first round for the categories SRSB (3/0) and CMS1 (3/0) against SMU and SLC-LU , respectively. SMU, however, was able to bag the first round for the JRSB category against SLUwith a tally of 3/0. Meanwhile, SLC-LU secured round 1 for the category CMS2 against SLU with a tally of 3/0.

USL secured three victories against SLC-LU in the JRSB category with a tally of 3/0 and SMU in the categories SRSB and CMS1 with tallies of 3/2 and 3/0, respectively. Meanwhile, SMU bagged a winning moment against the USL for the CMS2 category with a tally of 3/1.

Resuming for the first round, the three CICM schools battleED in four new categories: Junior High school Singles Girls (JRSG), Senior High school Singles Girls (SRSG), College Women Singles 1 (CWS1), and College Women Singles 2 (CWS2).

SLU lady athletes showcased their mastery in table tennis as they managed to secure two victories in the categories CWS1 and CWS2 with unofficial tallies 3/1 and 3/0, respectively, against SMU and a tie-breaker of 3/3 for the SRSG category against SLC-LU. For the JRSG category, however, SLC-LU managed to steal a win from SLU with an unofficial tally of 3/0. SMU was unable to secure any victories for this time slot. 

To conclude the first round, the same teams faced each other once again for the final leg of the table tennis tournament’s first round. SLU athletes proved their tenacity for glory as they secured three victories in the four categories with unofficial tallies of 3/2 in JRSG, 3/0 in both CMS1 and CMS2. USL, however, secured a win against SLC-LU for the category SRSG with an unofficial tally of 3/0. CICM schools, SMU and SLC-LU were unable to secure a winning moment for the final leg of the first round.

ROUND 2

Moving onto the second round of matches, the same CICM schools went head-to-head for Junior High school Singles Boys (JRSB), Senior High school Single Boys (SRSB), College Men Singles 1 (CMS1), and College Men Singles 2 (CMS2).

SLU dominated their competition as they emerged triumphant with 3-0 victories over SMU for CMS1 and CMS2 respectively to start the second round. USL followed with a 3-0 victory of their own over SLC-LU for the SRSB, while SMU took down SLC-CSF 3-1 for the JRSB category.

Continuing the second round games, USL took a couple of wins against SLC-LU for the CMS1 and CMS2 categories, winning 3-2 and 3-0 respectively. On the other hand, USL and SMU handed SLU back-to-back losses for JRSB and SRSB, with both teams scoring 3-0 against SLU teams.

The next set of games started with USL taking down SMU and SLC-LU  for the JRSG and SRSG categories, winning 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. SLC-LUalso stunned SLU for the CWS1, winning 3-0. SLU however bounced back against SLC-LU for the CWS2, winning 3-1.

To conclude the second round, the USL was scorching hot as they defeated SMU for CWS1 and CWS2, scoring 3-1 and 3-2 respectively in the last close games. SLU on the other hand, after winning 3-1 over SMU for SRSG, fell in the hands of SLC-LU for the JRSG, suffering a 0-3 defeat.

Players strike hard on explosive first day of Volleyball games

The participating CICM schools soared high and fought their way through the first day of volleyball games at the SLU Navy Base Campus Junior High Covered Court. The teams participating showed their grit and fought through the first games, putting their universities and institutions on top.

Match 1: Victory for SLCC LHS girls in a thrilling match against SMU as SLCC took a surprising turn and won the second and last set against SMU. Posting 18 – 25, 25 – 22, and 15 – 9 at SLU-JHS Covered Court, and winning the match 2 sets to 1.

Match 2: A win by default in an unexpected turn of events, the anticipated match between SLC-LU and USL culminated not in battling with each team, but rather in victory by default. While Louisians eagerly awaited the match between these two teams, circumstances beyond their control have led to this outcome.

Match 3: SLCC faced the SMU Volleyball team with a superb getaway, with rough scores between the two teams, with the best score of 26-24, obtained in one of three sets. 

SLC-LU narrowly escaped the clutches of USL in a close match. SLC-LU went head-to-head with USL in the Women’s Volleyball category at the SLU-JHS Covered Court. SLC-LU and USL scored 25-21, and 26-25, the best score for the match, respectively.  EJ Balubal, from SLC-LU, took the lead and scored the winning point for her team. Both teams had strong starts, with each score leaving them neck-to-neck in Set 1. SLC-LU won the first set with 25 points, two of them being aces. USL looked promising with a strong start and easily scored points, leaving both teams drawing multiple times throughout the set. Precious Galingana of USL scored many points for her team, but they failed to return the impressive spikes of SLC-LU’s powerhouse, Stephanie Hounkpatin. 

In the second set, both teams were still in their element. With both teams scoring near to each other, the game was down to the wire. Both teams gave it their all, with them, once again, drawing multiple times for set 2. They had multiple set points, with their points totaling to 25-25. The winning point was scored by Balibal of SLC-LU as she showcased her powerful spike which left USL flabbergasted, making the game 26-25, and once more, giving SLC-LU the win for Set 2. With 2 sets under their belt, SLC-LU won the match.

MATCH 4: The SMU SHS Women’s Volleyball Team’s match against SLC-SFC SHS was a roller coaster ride, with both teams taking the lead in the first, second, and third sets. Both teams showed their dexterity and ability to compete against each other head to head. The SMU SHS slammed a 3-0 against the SLC-LU SHS team, with a 25-20 on the second set, and a 27-25 on the third set.  

An unexpected turn of events on the third set put everyone on the edge of their seats as a player from SLC-LU SHS was injured after failing to land properly after making a high jump. Luckily, she immediately received medical attention and was brought to one of the medical facilities in the campus. Despite this, the SMU SHS continued the seemingly never ending battle to get the upper hand against the opposing team. In the end, their hard work paid off, winning a 3-0 match.

A student from SMU, Angel Cassey G. Acupan shared her thoughts on the game, stating that despite their mistakes, their main goal is to enjoy the game. Their coach Ronna Vidal also stated that the team should learn from their mistakes, and the team will work on the players’ initiative to get the ball.

The women’s college team of SLU on the other hand, was able to grab the 3-1 victory over USL after a competitive 4-set bout. SLU lost the first set, but caught fire in the next three as they won three straight sets against USL. 

The afternoon matches resumed at 1 PM, which started with the Senior High Girls teams of SMU and SLU matchup. SMU however would gain the advantage and take it all the way as they won both sets 25-13, 25-13 respectively, swiftly taking the 2-0 win over SLU. The match that followed was also the Senior High Girls teams of SLCC and USL, where they went back-and-forth with USL prevailing after winning the last two sets.

The 9th match featured the volleyball High School Boys teams for SMU and SLU, with SMU taking the convincing 2-0 win after crushing both sets, 25-14 and 15-16. The High School Boys teams for SLCC and USL were next, with USL taking the hard-fought win after an intense couple of sets, going 2-0. 

The last pair of matches were from the Men’s College teams of SLU, SLC-LU, USLT, and SMU. SLU and SLC-LU played an intense bout of volleyball, as both teams refused to go down without a fight resulting in a high-scoring set of matches. SLU however emerged victorious taking the 3-0 win, as they won all sets 25-22, 28-26, 27-25. USL and SMU would face off next, with the back-and-forth ending with USL winning 3-1.

Athletic, academic, and cultural displays highlight Day 1 Friendship Meet competitions

Indeed, the first day of games and competitions proved the event’s devotion to display of excellence not only with athletic sports but with academic and cultural displays of brilliance, as multiple universities and teams have already taken home their Gold honors for this year’s Friendship Meet. The teams and participating CICM schools showed enthusiasm and unwavering spirits to each and every game, with the energy from the players to the coaches and audience resulting in a festive ambience.

The participating CICM schools, while set on putting their universities and institutions on top, look to practice and cultivate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie as they compete with their sister schools for the rest of the event for the following days.

Collaborators (Student Writers and Photojournalists)

Tanglaw Hilaga (BEdS): Aramis Jezrel Balansag, Hannah Joy Tugade, Mercy Acosta, Sofia Angela Nabong, Charmaine Penalba, Phoebe Gabrielle, Justin David Ramos, Marian Danizia Loren Halog, Zyrelle Kyle Yturzaita, Mica Lourein Martin 

The Louisian (BEdS): Funa Delos Reyes, Paul Reynan, Kayle Bulwayan, Nicolle Antonio, Eunice Chloe Millare, Andrey Dylan Michael, Justin David Ramos

The Young Louisian Courier (BEdS): Diane E. Dumagay, Shiaianne Neri Tactay, Ruth Ann Melis, Athena Grace Agapay, Jennifer Padua, Marrissa Lorente

Daily Dose: Eowyn Ryam Isyasa, Carlo Kyle Bustamante, Juan Luis Gagute, Micko Nieves, Francis Angelo Sacla, Rhovien Honra, Adrian Ricci Mamuyac, Danna Masanque

SCHEMA: Leila Gwen Aspiras, Van Revson Domingo, John Paul Rodriguez, Alyanna Lawrice Rasing, Jovv Neiu Esmilla, Axa Gwen Dao-ilang, Liam Jiro Morales, Anjelo Esperanzate, Angelo Trinidad, Johan Roxas, Villamor “Amore” Dumlao

Stellaris: Stefi Anne Joseph, Aleah Justine Soriano, Nikolai James Santiago, Fernabel Dela Cruz, Michael John Dadd, Sasha Leigh Botengan, John Hermarc Villanueva, Cristia Ella Joy Purganan

The Buttress: Gener Mike Capistrano, Kylene Alexa Shih, Camille Masa-ao, Atheana Cortez, Harold Iverson Soriano, Noli James Cesario, Naaman Abraham Ariel Justo, Rownel Castro, Neil Gayados

White & Blue: Heleina Taeza, Marian Faith Galila, Maxin Angelo Musni, Faith Revaño, Kamal Khaled Kamal Khedr, Romar Joshua Lopez

University Information Office, SLU BA Communication Interns:

Khryss Noelle Arellano, Erika Dyane Corsino, EJ Bautista Doña, Emmanuel Gregorio, Antonio Lim Jr., Rita Mae Lopez, Sarah Navalta, Keen Bridget Oviedo, Justhine Plana