San Beda sweeps first round of NCAA women’s table tennis

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion San Beda College swept its first eight matches in the first round to lead the women's side in the 90th NCAA table tennis competitions at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday.

Spearheaded by reigning MVP Lyr Eden Leyva, the Lady Red Paddlers team of Stephanie Co, Beauty Paulma, Kryslyn Manez and sister tandem of Samantha Marie and Jazel May Ingeniero hurdled all their eight assignments to emerge the top seed in the second round of play.

Joining San Beda in the next phase were Arellano University, which wound up with a 7-1 (win-loss) record, College of St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo, which finished the elimination round with 6-2 and 4-3 cards, respectively.

If the Lionesses end up sweeping their second round games, they will automatically clinch their second straight crown.

The Blazers, for their part, likewise emerged unscathed after the first round thanks to strong performances of Koby Cabrido, Ryan Rodney Jocolo, Joshua Que, Ryan David Sy and brothers Sergio Louie and Serknight Benoya.

At second and still in title contention was five-peat titlist San Beda, which ended up with an 8-1 mark.

Also advancing to the next round were Letran (7-2) and Emilio Aguinaldo College (6-3).

In juniors' action, the Cubs' Kian Bolado, Aisiah Garcia, Ryann Jurado, Arc Marcelino, Jan Mari Nayre and Josel Sisor came unbeaten in nine starts to lead the Squires, the back to back champions with an 8-1 slate, after the first round.

The Lyceum Junior Pirates (6-2) and the San Sebastian Staglets (6-2) comprised the second round cast.

Based on league format, the first round pennant winner that could also top the second round will clinch the title automatically.