Ateneo dominates UP in shootfest

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo shooters proved too strong for University of the Philippines’ bets as they swept all but one of 12 medals disputed in the first PNSA-NYDP inter-collegiate competitions at the PSC-Marines range in Fort Bonifacio last Sunday.

Mara Miano of the women’s rifle team and Alexandra Dayrit of the pistol squad sparked Ateneo’s spectacular showing by scoring 346 points and 341 points, respectively, as they bagged a gold medal each.

The other Ateneo gold medalists were Nathaniel Culiat in the 10-meter men’s rifle event with 327 points and Johan Alcantara in the 10-meter men’s air pistol with 337 points.

The lone medalist for UP was Nanessa Dimaano, who submitted 328 to take the bronze in the women’s pistol event.

“All of the participants – 32 students from both schools – competed and did well,” noted reigning national pistol champion Nathaniel “Tac;” Padilla, general manager of Spring Cooking Oil and chairman of the shooting association’s NYDP (National Youth Development Program). 

Padilla added:  “Based on their showing, the PNSA-NYDP can expect to develop more new faces in the Olympic sport of shooting.  I would like to credit coaches Danny Flores (Ateneo) and Roland Maliwanag and Jay Sarmiento (UP) for training and preparing the young shooters well.”

Ateneo fielded 20 of the 32 shooters who competed.  Padilla expects the event to become a regular PNSA-NYDP fare with the second tentatively scheduled this December.

Miano beat teammates Katrina Uybarreta (316) and Cherry Chris Calvelo (312) in women’s rifle, while Culiat toppled fellow Ateneans Daniel Garingan (320) and Gregory Gochuico (315) in men’s rifle.

Dayrit pulled away from teammate Jessica Tan, who took the silver with 329, and UP’s Dimaano, who scored 328 in women’s pistol.

Alcantara subdued teammates Paul Cano Santos (333) and Leonard Floresta (315) in men’s pistol.

All in all, the Ateneans romped off with four gold, four silver and three bronze medals.