A LOADED cast of 40 Thomasian athletes, anchored by seasoned alumni and current standouts, is set to fuel the Philippines’ medal drive in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games from Dec. 9 to 20 in Thailand.
Two-time Olympian and World No. 11 pole vaulter EJ Obiena will anchor the athletics lineup, along with Tiger Tracksters rising star Hokett delos Santos in the decathlon and Lianne Pama in the 100-meter relay.
Alas Pilipinas mainstays Eya Laure and Josh Ybañez will return to the national volleyball squad, with debuting opposite spiker Al-Bukahrie Sali completing the men’s indoor lineup.
UST Tiger Sands legends Sisi Rondina, Gen Eslapor and Rancel Vargas will topbill the beach volleyball team.
Former UAAP women’s basketball champion Tantoy Ferrer will compete in the 3×3 basketball, while Tiger Paddler and former MVP Eljay Tormis will provide a boost to the table tennis roster.
Former Golden Sox sluggers Mark Beronilla and John Vargas will see action as members of the baseball team, which has seen them deliver four wins, while former MVP Justine Rosales will return to the national softball squad.
Tiger Softbelle Charlotte Sales will lead the Blu Girls in softball alongside Royevel Palma.
In futsal, former Lady Booter Charisa Lemoran, fresh from the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, will team up with Sheen Borres to secure medals for the Philippines.
UST flexes its muscle in combat sports with a deep roster. Taekwondo will feature Thomasians King Alcairo, Aljen Aynaga, Laila Delo, Justin Kobe Macario, Joce Ninobola, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Darius Venerable and Jeuse Yape.
Asian Games gold medalist and world champion Annie Ramirez will spearhead the jiu-jitsu team, while Tiger Judokas Margaret Fajardo, Daryl Mercado, Khrizzie Pabulayan and Chino Sy will reinforce the national judo roster.
A potent Thomasian core composed of MVP Janna Catantan, Hanniel Abella, Eunice Villanueva, Noelito Jose Jr. and Alex Larrazabal will seek to increase the country’s medal haul in fencing.
UST Woodpushers assistant coach and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo will steer the chess team, while former Thomasians Reynaldo Salonga Jr., Shinloah San Diego and Dave Tiquia will comprise the national water polo lineup.
The country finished fifth during the previous regional biennial meet, collecting 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals. F
