De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) kickstarted the first swimming competitions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in two years today, Dec. 1, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

After almost three years since the pandemic held back most athletic events, the swimming competitions for NCAA have finally returned. All 10 competing schools were present to grace the event with their student swimmers. Benilde’s Sports Director, Mr. Stephen Fernandez, introduced three-time Olympian Akiko Thomson-Guevara who graced the opening ceremony as the guest speaker. With the College as the host, Benilde’s Managing Committee member, Mr. Dax Castellano, announced, “Games begin!”

The swimming events began immediately after that, with team captain Charles Licardo grabbing Benilde’s first gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle with a 54.99-second record. The Blazing Torpedoes also garnered three more bronze medals. Lady torpedoes Eya Tumbokon and Gaby Gonzalvo placed third in the 50-meter backstroke and 200-meter breaststroke, respectively. The girls bagged the third bronze for the team through the 200-meter medley relay event with Tumbokon, Alyssa Dadacay, Joyce Cucuria, and Eanna Cheng in the lineup.

Catch the Blazing Torpedoes as they attempt to bring home the crown on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.