BOXING CHAMP. Polytechnic University of the Philippines bet Florence Sumpay (third from right) bags the featherweight gold medal in the Philippine Army category of the 2023 Reserves Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Capital Region leg at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Oct. 12, 2023. With him on the podium is silver medalist Raven Klein Rubin of City of Malabon University. (PSC photo)
MANILA – Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) bet Florence Sumpay captured the boxing featherweight gold medal in the Philippine Army category of the 2023 Reserves Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Capital Region leg on Thursday.
Sumpay defeated City of Malabon University's Raven Klein Rubin via referee stop contest (RSC) in just 90 seconds of the first round at the Dacudao court inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
“I’ve been boxing in our barangay since I was 11 years old. It’s really my dream to become a member of the national team. I hope I can be given a chance,” the sports science student said.
Sharing the limelight with Sumpay were Manny Mabansag (City of Malabon University) and Justin Laurezo (Olivarez College).
Mabansag claimed victory in the bantamweight division after beating Ellyyander Pormeso of Best Link Philippines also via RSC (1:55 Round 1).
“This is my first time in the ring. I never expected this victory. It’s was just because of our ROTC course that they told me to try boxing,” the Navotas City-born sophomore student of criminology said.
Laurezo also won by RSC (1:54 Round 1) over Clifford Abucijo of Makati Science and Technological Institute of the Philippines in the flyweight division.
In volleyball, City of Malabon University (CMU) and Rizal Technological University (TUP) scored contrasting victories to arrange a championship showdown in the Philippine Army category.
CMU rallied past Makati Science Technological Institute of the Philippines, 14-25, 25-13, 25-18, 25-17, while the Mandaluyong-based TUP downed PUP, 25-5, 25-11, 25-15.
“Ito naman ang target namin simula umpisa (This is our target from the beginning). And we did it. We are in the finals now. We lost to RTU in the elimination round, that’s why we would like to avenge that setback. The way I see it, mukhang kaya namin. Medyo pagod lamang ang mga players ko in that game (It looks like we can. My players are just a little tired in that game),” coach Jesper Perez said.
CMU's Jessa Pormocille and Lovely Joy Campo finished with 18 points and 15 points, respectively.
“I’m sure, it’s going to be a close game against CMU because they are already scouting us. They knew how we play. But we are prepared,” RTU coach Carlo Sebastian said.
All gold and silver medalists in the four legs will advance to the National Finals scheduled from Oct. 22 to 27. (PNA)
