WNCAA gets going Saturday

MANILA, Philippines–National team members and daughters of popular athletes are among the attractions of the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) which unfolds its 41st season on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.   Rookie team St. Paul College Pasig will parade badminton aces Danielle Ravena, whose father Bong was a former cage pro, and Marla Caidic, the younger of two daughters of Allan who holds the all-time individual scoring record of 79 points in the Philippine Basketball Association.      Miriam’s Danica Jose, son of former PBA player Bobby, and Angelicum’s Camille Claro are members of the National women’s Under-18 basketball squad.     Poveda College is the other rookie team, bringing to 19 the members of the country’s first and only tri-level league for women.   St. Paul and Povda are entered in first semester events basketball, volleyball and futsal of the midget and junior divisions.  St. Paul is actually a returning member as it has joined previous editions of the tournament being supported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sonak Sports Trading, official balls Mikasa and Molten, official computer Lenovo, Goody and MJC Press.   Centro Escolar University, last year’s senior overall championship runner-up, is the 41st season host.  It will be joined by Angelicum, Chiang Kai Shek, College of St. Benilde, De La Salle Zobel, Emilio Aguinaldo College, La Consolacion Manila, Lyceum, La Salle College, Miriam, Philippine Women’s University, Rizal Technological University, San Beda Alabang, St. Jude Catholic School, St. Scholastica, St. Stephen’s High School and University of Asia and the Pacific.   “Our goal is 20 teams and we’re just one school short this season,” said league president Ma. Vivian Manila of St. Scholastica during yesterday’s press conference at the Aristocrat restaurant in Malate, Manila.  “But our long-term goal remains the same:  to try to be at par with male athletes and the more popular leagues.”   Lyceum, senior basketball champion for four years now and senior volleyball winners for the past 11 seasons, remains the top favorite but CEU is ready to challenge the Lady Pirates’ reign in the league.    “Our teams are definitely well-prepared and we will try to be No. 1 this time,” said CEU president Dr. Cristina Padolina.  “As host school, we are proud to be able to lead the 41st season and it is our goal to continue being a part of the WNCAA which we see as an avenue to teach our students more values outside the classroom.”   After the 12 noon opening rites which will have former National karateka Gretchen Malalad as guest speaker, CEU plunges into action against San Beda at 1 p.m., followed by the St. Paul-Poveda midget game at 2:30 p.m.   UA&P and La Consolacion collide in the 4 p.m. main match.   The volleyball tournament starts Sunday at the St. Scholastica gym while futsal opens on Aug. 22.   Other events this season are badminton, cheerleading, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and volleyball.  Dodgeball athletes will have an exhibition on opening day and may be included in the second semester calendar.   CEU vice president Dr. Ricardo de Leon, league vice president Jose Yayen of La Consolacion, league secretary general Angelica dela Cruz of San Beda Alabang and CEU AVP for Student Affairs Dr. Carlito Olaer also attended the press conference along with representatives of the member schools.