THE visiting Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) upset opponents Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), in last Saturday's finals of the 1st Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Basketball Women’s Invitational. AdMU beat HCDC 84-61 to grab the championship title at the Davao City Recreation Center-Almendras Gym.
In the first quarter, both AdMU and HCDC showed aggressiveness but the tight offense of AdMU made them led the first half, 52-24.
The Dabawenya team stiffened their defense in the third quarter and despite their height disadvantage, blocking AdMU’s six-footer Danica Therese Jose to score a close, 40-58 after 5:44 minutes.
AdMU stepped up their offense in the fourth quarter with Jollina Go’s successive three-point shots while rookie Hazelle Yam of AdMU drilled 19 points to secure AdMU’s victory.
HCDC was led by Kathlene Gaudiano who scored 25 points and Lorelie Lor with 19 points.
In an interview with Sun.Star Davao, AdMU coach Atty. Erika Dy said, “Masaya ako para sa mga bata na nanalo kami. Nakuha nila ang gusto nila sa pag punta dito sa Davao. Hopefully madala nila sa tournament sa Manila ang mga na-gain nilang experience dito.”
Outgoing HCDC coach Rica Marie Andico said that despite finishing second, everything exceeded their expectations, “We were not expecting too much from the game. We just tightened our defense kasi sa first game talaga eh natambakan kami. Main priority lang talaga namin is kahit maliliit ang mga players, kailangan malakas parin ang depensa. We were very happy. This is all for the glory of God.”
AdDU for its part defeated visiting Enderun Colleges, 51-37 behind Allysa Villamor and Jenibeth Tiu who scored 19 and 12 points, respectively. Arielle Cabaylo of Enderun drilled in 12 points for the team.
The Cyrielle Agnes Sosoban coached-AdDU took the third place while Enderun headed by coach Haydee Ong came fourth.
The Mythical Five were Lor of HCDC, Tiu of AdDU, Camille Padilla from Enderun and AdMU’s Yam and Jose.
Lor of HCDC said that she did not expect to be awarded as one of the Mythical Five, “Unexpected talaga ito. Lahat ng shots ko ay bunga ng pagtutulungan namin sa team at encouragement ng aming coach.”
AdDU’s Tiu also said, "Unexpected talaga ito. Nag pay-off ang hardwork, training and dedication namin.”
All winners received medals and trophies in the event organized by the AdDU Athletics Department headed by coach Noli Ayo in support with the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO).
The awarding ceremony was also graced by Philippine Women’s National Basketball team manager Cynthia Tiu.