UP Diliman Retains NUCC Crown After Thwarting La Salle-Manila Fightback

Wazzup Pilipinas!

UP Diliman remains as the reigning champion of the National Ultimate Collegiate Championship after beating De La Salle-Manila, 15-10, in the Pool A championship game of the said tournament at the Greenfield City Sports Field in Sta. Rosa City.

UPD raced to an early 4-1 lead in the race-to-15 match-up, but DLSU-M threatened to regain its early lead as the team came to within 3-4.

UP Diliman scored six of the next seven goals to open a 10-5 lead, but the team conceded five La Sallian goals, the last three unanswered, while only making one as the lead was cut to one again, 11-10.

The Diliman ultimate players secured the championship, their fourth straight since the tournament began in 2011, by scoring four goals in succession in the end.

Junie Dela Cruz and Jenny Demagaje were hailed as the co-MVP's of the title match for steering UP Diliman to the successful title defense.

In the battle for third, UP Los Baños smoothly cruised to a 9-2 win against Ateneo.

In the Pool B finale, CEU pulled away for good late in the match to trounce UA&P, 13-7. Kelvin Gabi led the promising collegiate ultimate team to the Pool B title, earning him Final MVP honors.

For her part in the losing effort, UA&P's Dominique Figueroa also got the Pool B Championship Game MVP.

In the repechage, FEU beat Malayan Colleges Laguna for third place.

UA&P's Tonito De Ocampo and FEU's Ria Aban were hailed as the tournament MVP's in Pool B, while UPLB's Elmer Manlalang was awarded the Tournament Male MVP in Pool A.

Contributed by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno
Photo from GMA Network