In a historic and breathtaking display of talent, determination, and teamwork, the women’s basketball team from Holy Cross College, representing Central Luzon, achieved an unforgettable victory by winning the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Nationals 3×3 Women’s Basketball Championship on July 17. This national sports competition, held in Zamboanga City, brought together top collegiate teams from different regions in the Philippines, but it was Holy Cross College that emerged as the champions for 3×3 women’s basketball.
Historic Victory and Student-Athletes
The victory was truly historic as it marked the first time Holy Cross College brought home championship medals from a national sports competition. Four students from the BS Criminology program—Vanessa Lei Gamboa, Alona Maun, Christine Joan Lee, and Angelica Ducay—gave their best shot to secure the victory for their team. Vanessa Lei Gamboa, standing tall at 5’9″, was hailed as the Most Outstanding Player of the Nationals 3×3 Women’s Basketball. She expressed her joy and gratitude, reflecting on her love for basketball since her early days in grade 5, and how playing and representing the entire region 3 was an incredible honor for her.
Skills and Team Effort
The Holy Cross College team showcased exceptional skills and dominance throughout the competition, demonstrating their prowess in the fast-paced and dynamic 3×3 basketball format. Alona Maun, who stands at 5’4″, emphasized the importance of respect and discipline during practice and games, highlighting how these qualities play a vital role in how a player interacts with teammates and opponents. The 3×3 basketball format, played on a half-court with only three players on each side, demands precise teamwork, sharp shooting, and quick decision-making, adding to the excitement and intensity of the game.
Inspiration and Key Values
Christine Joan Lee finds inspiration from her favorite basketball player, Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks, admiring his moves and humble demeanor. She believes that being disciplined is crucial for achieving one’s goals as an athlete, emphasizing that talent alone is not enough without hard work.
Coaches and Camaraderie
The success of the championship-winning team was attributed not only to individual talent but also to the deep bond and camaraderie among the players, including the guidance of their coaches, Wilfredo Dizon and Maribeth Mandap. This strong connection and support among team members played a pivotal role in their journey to victory.
The women’s basketball team from Holy Cross College has left an indelible mark in the history of PRISAA Nationals with their extraordinary triumph. Skill, determination, teamwork, and a shared passion for the game have propelled these student-athletes to achieve greatness on a national stage. Their victory serves as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, proving that with dedication, hard work, and a strong bond among teammates, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized. Congratulations to the Holy Cross College women’s basketball team for their remarkable achievement at the PRISAA Nationals!