UC table tennis team defends title in Malaysia

The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters table paddlers displayed their might in the 13th Universiti Teknologi Mara International Sports Fiesta, winning back-to-back titles in Malaysia last Aug. 3 to 4.

The eight-member Webmasters defeated Sri Lanka, 3-1, in the championship game to rule the table tennis competition of the sporting meet for college students.

Playing for the Webmasters were John Vincent Cabaluna, Herby Vinze Betarmos, David Samuel Maneja, Henz Michael Lucero, Diana Oliverio, Athena Comaingking, Jeramae Saromines, and Lindy Marie Darlo.

“We did not expect to win this year because half of our players were first-timers in this tournament. The competition level was much higher compared to the previous years,” UC’s athletics department head Jessica Honoridez told SunStar Cebu in a phone interview.

Honoridez, who’s also the school’s table tennis coach, said she attended the Asian Sports Management Seminar and was not able to go with the team but she made sure to give them instructions before every game.

“Technology was really helpful. I always checked the results of the opposing teams so I can send instructions to our team and form the best lineup,” she added.

The Webmasters made it to the finals after escaping Malaysia in a crossover semifinals, 3-2. Malaysia was leading 2-1 before UC evened the score at 2-all. The deciding game was the mixed doubles.

Malaysia led 7-4 before UC figured things out with seven consecutive points to win the mixed doubles, 11-7, and the semis match, 3-2, and clinched the finals slot. /