UC grabs overall lead

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Cebu and University of San Carlos extended their rivalry from another multi-sport event down to the 22nd Cebu City Olympics at the Cebu City Sports Center as the two moved closer to one another in the standings.

From third in the overall rankings the other day, UC now takes the lead in the secondary division with 69 points, just two points ahead of USC.

A stellar showing in the swimming competition pushed UC on top after coach Rolando Alvarez’s female bets dominated their respective divisions.

USC, however, also performed well at the pool through the boys class that put UC’s hold of the lead so very slim.

During the Milo Little Olympics last month, USC also threatened UC’s reign, but the Carolinians wavered in the end.

UC athletic director Bernard Ricablanca is confident on their chances of clinching the overall title since they are joining more sports and have stronger athletes than USC.

UC used to be part of Unit-7, but is now competing on its own due to the new format of the event.

South-5, which was fourth in the first day, moved a notch higher with 37 points, while first day leader South-8 dropped to fourth with 32.5 points followed by North-1 with 25 points.

Aside from its aim of overpowering UC, USC is also aiming for the championship in the elementary division.

South 2 currently leads the elementary battle with 63 points, thanks to its boys and girls volleyball teams. South 2 earlier had 13 points, but zoomed to the top spot after earning a total of 50 points in volleyball.

USC is at close second with 60 points, thanks to its swimmers who made waves in both categories.

South 5 stayed at third spot with 55 points, while first day leader South 6 slipped to fourth spot with 33.5 points followed by South 4 with 28 points.

The CCO features a total of 19 sporting events including dancesport and karatedo.

The top performers of the four-day event will get a chance to represent Cebu City to the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet in the first week of December in Dumaguete City, which also host the Palarong Pambansa in April next year.  (FREEMAN)