ATENEO de Manila won its third straight crown in the men’s division, while University of the Philippines came up with a strong finish on the final day to regain the women’s crown at the end of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines swimming competitions recently at the Rizal Memorial Swimming pool.
Season MVP Aldo Batungbacal led the way for the Blue Eagles, who dominated the four-day meet with 603 points.
In taking their fourth overall crown, Batungbacal won four golds on the final day by winning the 1,500-meter freestyle (16:42.21) and 200-meter breaststroke (2:22.95) titles in record-breaking fashion.
He also set meet records in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:05.78) and 400-meter individual medley (4:39.98).
In women’s action, Ateneo yielded the throne to the UP Lady Maroons, who captured their 15th crown overall.
Breaststroke specialist Pricilla Aquino led the way in Day 4 for UP, which came from behind to finish with 444 points.
Ateneo settled for second place with 411.
The Lady Eagles still had a consolation when Hannah Dato bagged her third straight MVP award after winning six golds.
Dato did not match her seven-gold total last year after losing to Jaja Cordero of the Lady Maroons in the 200-meter butterfly.
Also delivering the goods for Ateneo was former two-time men’s MVP Jessie Lacuna, who won five individual and two relay golds.
Then, there’s Axel Ngui, who capped his collegiate stint with a gold-medal finish in the 50-meter freestyle.
De La Salle was a far second with 340 points, while UP came through in third place with 194 points.
The Lady Archers survived the Lady Maroons’ onslaught with Catherine Bondad ruling the 50-meter backstroke event, and placing third with 129 points.
Aside from Aquino and Cordero, also emerging victorious for UP are Winona Tee Ten in the 50-meter freestyle and the 4×400-meter medley relay team of Mikee Bartolome, Gabriela Torres, Monica Padilla and Joy Rodgers.