OPENING CEREMONY. Judelio Yap (center), president of host Chiang Kai Shek College, makes the ceremonial toss during the opening of the 54th Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) at CKSC gymnasium in Tondo, Manila on Saturday (Sept. 30, 2023). CKSC and Centro Escolar University are the defending juniors and seniors champions in basketball. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
MANILA – Host Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) kicked off its juniors title defense on a high note with a 51-40 victory over De La Salle-Zobel in the 54th Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) season opener at CKSC gymnasium in Manila on Saturday.
Jessica Ashley Mabazza topscored with 15 points, while Rachel Evangelista added 12 points, all in the first quarter, for CKSC, which posted a 33-23 lead at halftime.
Aaliyah Mai de Luna paced the Junior Archers with 10 points followed by Erica Mae Reyes with nine points.
In the seniors division, reigning champion Centro Escolar University (CEU) outclassed San Beda College Alabang (SBCA), 78-33.
Diana Rose Defeles paced the Lady Scorpions with 23 points, including 13 in the second quarter.
Hannah Mae Gumapo chipped in 18 points for CEU, including 10 in the fourth, while Krizzy Ann Bautista scored eight of her 15 points in the opening quarter.
Action continues at the same venue on Sunday with four matches starting at 9 a.m. featuring Miriam College against SBCA (juniors); Philippine Women's University (PWU) against University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) at 10:30 a.m. (seniors); La Salle College Antipolo against St. Paul College Pasig at noon (juniors); and sister squads Assumption Antipolo against Assumption College-San Lorenzo at 1:30 p.m. (seniors).
The volleyball competition, meanwhile, starts at St. Scholastica's College gym in Manila.
SBCA faces UA&P at 9 a.m., CEU takes on Miriam at 10 a.m., and PWU goes up against against Assumption College at noon. (PNA)
