IN a gripping showdown for the opening round of the season, Team Bene, the SBCA Women’s Basketball team, went head-to-head against the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions at Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) last Sept. 22. With a score of 29-80, Team Bene encountered a challenging defeat against the CEU Scorpions. 

     From the opening tip, the CEU Scorpions scored the first two points of the game. Only two minutes into the first quarter, Team Bene could finally score, giving them their first two points on the scoreboard. Team Bene faced significant challenges on offense, grappling with turnovers and missed shots that hindered their performance throughout the game. The Scorpions showcased a formidable defense, pressuring their opponents into taking ineffective shots and significantly reducing their chances to score. 

     As the first quarter ended, the scoreboard reflected a challenging 5-21 lead for the Scorpions. Coach Jayen Cruz, the Red Lions’ coach, gathered the players for a strategic huddle, where he outlined plays aimed at narrowing the gap and boosting their chances of a comeback. With the buzzer marking the beginning of the second quarter, Team Bene found opportunities to score a few baskets. However, the Scorpions held onto their commanding lead through halftime, where the score was down to 14-41, still favoring the Scorpions. 

     Team Bene slightly pushed to close the gap in the second half, but it was too little and too late. The Scorpions' players showcased their skills, enhancing the team's depth and athleticism, ultimately allowing them to take home the first win of the 55th Season.

     THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed Team Bene’s shooting guard, Kiara Gianne Kaye Villanueva (III-BSBA-FM) wherein she said, “Big factor na din yung tatlong linggong pahinga namin gawa ng bar exam,” when asked about what happened within the team and what they could have done differently to change the outcome of the game. She added, “Ang kelangan lang namin ay mag- coordinate sa bawat isa kase masyadong natakot yung iba samin kase first game, nandun yung kaba namin, nandun yung excitement.” Villanueva then emphasizes their plans on improving their offense especially their defense in their following games. 

    Villanueva also shared what the Bedan community can look forward to in regards to their team. She said,“Siguro sa darating na next game, mas mapapakita na namin yung best namin, kung ano ba talaga yung maibubuga namin dun sa game at mas ibibigay pa namin yung puso namin sa laro.” The team’s next game is set on Sept. 29 against the University of Makati (UMak) at CKSC Main Campus