LSGH’s Sta. Maria smashes records in Day 2 of NCAA swimming

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle-Greenhills' Rafael Sta. Maria went on a record-breaking binge even as San Beda continued to lead in all fronts after the second day of the 90th NCAA swimming competition at Rizal Memorial Pool Friday.

Sta. Maria shattered league marks in 50-meter and 200-m freestyle and 50-m butterfly and spearheaded the 400-m freestyle relay team of Andrae Pogiongko, Miguel Barlisan and Mark Ropmiquit to another record-breaking feat to emerge the best performing swimmer thus far with a day to go.

But the three-day race, which was organized by a committee chaired by Arellano University's Peter Cayco, continued to belong to San Beda, which currently leads the juniors, men's and women's divisions.

Wilfredo Sunglao, Jr. spearheads the Sea Lions' charge in the men's side as he won another gold while eclipsing another record in the 200-m free where he clocked one minute and 59.85 seconds, surpassing the record of 2:00.70 he set in the morning heats the same day.

Frances May Cabrera is the brightest star of San Beda's women's team as she destroyed the 200-m freestyle mark of 2:19.24 that she herself owned last year by timing in 2:18.59 in Day Two.

San Beda is currently ahead in the men's division with 452 points, way ahead of closest pursuer College of St. Benilde's 176 while its women's team is likewise ahead of everyone with 407 points with St. Benilde again in pursuit with 229.

The juniors crown is up for grabs as San Beda (333) leads La Salle-Greenhills (294) barely with a day to go.

San Beda is seeking a 13th straight men's championship and 17th overall while La Salle-Greenhills is eyeing an 11th straight high school title and 17th overall.

The San Beda lady tankers are looking to rule their event for the fourth straight season.