Aquagliders shine in PSL swim meet

MANILA, Philippines - Bicolanos Ythnmthw Orellana and Trisha Anne Oliveros powered the Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders to overall title in the Philippine Swimming League (PSL) 55th Leg Series dubbed the first Commodore Jaime Jimenez Sr. Swim Meet at the Mariners Polytechnic College Foundation in Rawis, Legazpi.

Orellana topped the 50-meter backstroke (1:12.19), 50m breaststroke (1:14.38) and 50m freestyle (1:04.03) in the boys’ 6-under while Oliveros contributed two golds in the girls’ 15-17 100m butterfly (1:18.06) and 100m backstroke (1:21.19) to pocket their respective Most Outstanding Swimmer awards.

“PSL regional director for Bicol Region Maria Theresa Mahiwo is happy that many Bicolanos are getting involved in our Bicol regional meet and now having a chance to compete in an international swimming competition,” said PSL president Susan Papa.

The other MOS were Aidepp De Luna (6-under), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (7-8), Anonuevo Cyrilyn Monica (9-10), Bela Loiuse Magtibay (11-12), Angelica Mae Medrano (13-14) and Arlyn Arcadio (18-over) in the girls’ category, and Michael Lozada (7-8), Jordan Ken Lobos (9-10), Inaki Emil Lorbes (11-12), Romeo Renzo Teodoro (13-14), Jifrey Azor (15-17) and Bryan Tan (18-over) in the boys’ side.

“We see soon that indeed swimming is fully democratized in our region,” Mahiwo said.   

Ibalong grabbed the top spot in the team event with 440 points followed by Quezon Killer Whales (340), Albay Falcons (159), UNC Greyhounds (132), University of Saint Anthony (118) and Mariners Blue Dolphins (101).

“I am happy to hear that PSL president Susan Papa is declaring our pool as a training ground for future and potential world class swimmers, I can not hide my emotions of Susan’s passion. She cares for these young swimmers,” said Mariners president Dante Jimenez.

The PSL, the only national association with the longest grassroots developmental program in sports, is organizing regional meets throughout the country. The first regional competition this year was held in Capiz in February.