Report by Chino Brendon Tangonan | Photos by Leanna Kaylee Manue and Nish Raven Manglanlan
Ravenclaw’s Ralph Franklin Vallejos and Gian Franco Tolentino claimed the Gold Medal in the Men’s Doubles Badminton competition at PalaCASSan 2024, held last Thursday, November 28, at the TSU Gymnasium.
The crowd at the Tarlac State University Gymnasium broke out in cheers as the Ravenclaw duo dominated over Gryffindor during the elimination round and Hufflepuff in the championship match.
“Masaya po,” shared Vallejos, a fourth-year AB Psychology student and a former CLRAA player, as he expressed his excitement.
“Ecstatic! Lahat naman siguro masayang manalo,” added Tolentino.
Supporters of the undefeated duo were joyous as Vallejos and Tolentino managed to pull off a clutch performance in a rocky second set during the championship.
At first, Hufflepuff outscored Ravenclaw 13-6, more than double their score. However, the Blue Eagles recovered and caught up with the Yellow Badgers at 17 points each. From there, Ravenclaw soared past Hufflepuff to secure their golden victory, sealing the championship 2-0.
“We were locked in,” said Tolentino, a former CASS representative for the TSU Intramurals, when asked how they overcame Hufflepuff's seven-point lead during the second set.
“Mas composed kami,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hufflepuff’s Yellow Badgers bagged silver after dominating Slytherin in the elimination round but stooping-down to Ravenclaw in the championship.
Further, Gryffindor’s Brave Lions settled for bronze, while Slytherin’s Cunning Snakes failed to make it to the podium.
After a thrilling comeback in the championship match, the Blue Eagles, led by Ralph Vallejos and Gian Tolentino, claimed the gold, overcoming Hufflepuff’s early advantage.
Ravenclaw’s victory in the men’s doubles badminton competition at PalaCASSan 2024 was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and determination.
Comments