THE Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) opened its 57th Season at the Makati Coliseum on Sept. 5, with 18 member schools set to compete under the theme “Rise. Shine. Anywhere.” Hosted by the University of Makati (UMak), the season features Basketball 3x3, Basketball 5x5, Futsal, and Volleyball in the first semester.

On the same day, the SBCA Women’s Basketball Team (SBCA-WBT) secured first runner-up in the Senior Basketball 3x3 tournament after falling to Centro Escolar University (CEU), 10-15, in the finals. The Lady Red Lions advanced to the championship match after defeating host UMak, 16-9, in the semifinals.

Forging Women’s Athletic Excellence

The competition is divided into three age divisions: Seniors, Juniors, and Midgets,  competing in Basketball 3x3, Basketball 5x5, Futsal, and Volleyball in the first semester.

The 18 participating schools include Assumption Antipolo (AA), Assumption College (AC), Centro Escolar University (CEU), Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC), De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ), La Salle College Antipolo (DLSA), Miriam College (MC), Philippine Women’s University (PWU), Saint Jude Catholic School (SJCS), St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP), St. Scholastica’s College (SC), St. Stephen’s High School (SSHS), University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), University of Makati (UMak), University of Santo Tomas Angelicum College (UST-AC), and San Beda College Alabang (SBCA), with De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Antipolo (CSB-A) and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM) joining as newcomers.

A Glimpse Into the Ceremonial Highlights

The ceremonies commenced with the invocation and singing of the Philippine National Anthem and UMak Hymn led by the UMak Chorale. The Board of Trustees and school representatives—including Ms. Angelica Dela Cruz, the organization’s Secretary General from SBCA—were formally introduced during the ceremony. 

The opening ceremony also featured the recognition of the top finishers from Season 56. For the Seniors division, CEU was crowned champion, with SBCA as first runner-up and PWU as second runner-up. The Juniors division crowned DLSZ as champions, having MC and SPCP as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively. While the Midgets division had AC as champions, SPCP as first runner-up, and AA in second runner-up.

A Heartfelt Moment and Reflection

UMak President Prof. Elyxzur C. Ramos, PhD., addressed the student-athletes during the opening ceremony, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and character in line with the season’s theme.

“To rise means to overcome every trial, boundary, and setback. To shine is to showcase the best of your character, discipline, and passion not just in victory but in every moment of honest competition; and to do so anywhere is a reminder that a true champion’s life illuminates every court, field, and community you step into,” he stated.

UMak Vice President for Student Services and Community Development Virgilio Tabbu introduced UMak alumna and taekwondo practitioner Christine Vallega, who addressed the athletes about the realities and sacrifices of competing as a student-athlete.

In her speech, Vallega reflected on her journey as a student-athlete, emphasizing the sacrifices that come with competition and encouraging athletes to recognize their potential beyond their results. “You don’t need a perfect beginning to work in an extraordinary journey. So, never allow anyone to put a limit on the number of wins you are allowed to have,” she said.

The Team Captains’ Eye on the Prize

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, SBCA team captains Alessandra Serrano (II-BSIT), Liana Yesha Natividad (IV-BSP), and Heart Bautista (II-BSBA-MM) discussed their teams’ preparations and expectations for Season 57.

Serrano said the basketball team trained daily ahead of the season, with mental resilience as a key part of their preparation.“My mindset going into this upcoming match is to be resilient; it's more like a mind game to push yourself even though you're tired from the game or if you're losing,” she said.

Natividad said the futsal team focused on strengthening its defense and attacking strategies as it aims to improve on last season’s second runner-up finish. “In terms of preparedness, I think naman physically na all my teammates are well prepared. So, yung feeling ko na pinakakailangan namin ngayon is maging prepared mentally,” she stated. 

Meanwhile, Bautista said the volleyball team is still adjusting to new systems with a largely new lineup but remains focused on building trust within the team. “I'd say our mindset is to play like it's our last and give our all,” she stated.  “...the show must go on.”

Serrano and Natividad said they are looking forward to competing against UMak, while Bautista said she is eager to see UERM compete this season.

On the same day, the SBCA Women’s Basketball Team clinched a silver medal and an overall first runner-up finish in the 3x3 tournament after surviving a game against CEU, 10-15, in the finals. The Lady Red Lions dominated the semi-finals round against UMak with a finishing score of 16-9.