Vargas, Mercurio top PSL swim

MANILA, Philippines - Cavite’s John Angelo Vargas and Quezon’s Enya Viktoria Mercurio copped two gold medals each to lead the opening day winners in the Philippine Swimming League’s (PSL) 62nd PSL-Magnolia Motivational Swimming Meet yesterday at the Diliman Preparatory School swimming pool in Quezon City.

Vargas of the defending champion Cavite Sailfish Swimming Club reigned supreme in the boys’ 13 years 50-meter butterfly in 32.70 seconds then topped the 50m backstroke by checking in at 38.56 seconds.

Not to be outdone was Mercurio of Quezon Killer Whales Swimming Team, who registered 23.17 seconds in ruling the girls’ 7 years 25m butterfly and 27.19 seconds in dominating the 25m backstroke.

“It’s just a continuation of our grassroots development program. We want to monitor their progress and a lot of swimmers have improved their times. It’s a testament that we are moving forward,” said PSL president Susan Papa.

Also winning gold medals were Paula Cusing (girls’ 50m butterfly, 38.92), Hanna Sales (girls’ 6 years 25m butterfly, 23.93), Danae Sarmiento (girls’ 8 years 25m butterfly, 21.00), Tricia Princillo (girls’ 9 years 25m butterfly, 19.97), Kyle Gabalfin (girls’ 10 years 25m butterfly, 18.19), Antonio Bautista (boys’ 5-under 25m butterfly, 35.94), Morie Pabalan (boys’ 6 years 25m butterfly, 24.53), Carlos Arenas (boys’ 7 years 25m butterfly, 20.11), Marshall Villacruzes (boys’ 8 years 25m butterfly, 20.88) and John Matthew Rala (boys’ 9 years 25m butterfly, 18.90).

“We’re hoping to see more potential swimmers who will be trained and represent our country in the future. We want to give them proper exposure because it will help them grow and improve on their crafts,” added Papa.

The other gold medalists were Angel Ann Abanto, Rizalino Cortez, Patricia Angela Aguilar, Aubrey Ybanes, Pauline Celine Cusing, Jericho Tubalado, Gregg Marasigan, Ina Marie Pelongco, Riley Cruz, Leonard Licudo, Macro Alcagno, Yielie Reynoso, Hanna Sales, Ashley Marie Chiong, Jonerica Doctolero, Aya Pugay, Sean Chiong, Miel Ugaban, Meynard Bautista, Carlos Arenas, Geshan Toca, Rowena De Guzman, Patricia Aguilar and Sophia Gigantone.

Next on the PSL calendar are regular competition in Iloilo Aug. 16-17, in Legazpi on Aug. 23 and in Capiz in September.

The PSL is accredited by the Federation of School Sports of the Philippines, an affiliate to International University Sports Federation (FISU).