Mustangs Reigned the 14th LCUAA; Basketball Team Clinches a 3-Peat Title

Fueled by passion, determination, and teamwork, the Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas (CLB) Mustangs once again proved their dominance in the 14th Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) held in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, October 19–25.

Leana Christine Casao brought home a bronze medal in Board 1 and Crisha Mae Loreine Salapare received a silver medal in Board 3. The team secured 5th place overall in women's chess out of 14 teams.

Aside from excelling in individual sports, the CLB Mustangs also dominated the court with their basketball team’s remarkable performance.

The Basketball Mustangs is still the undefeated champion after defeating Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa in a nail-biter score of 110-101.

Their victory was made possible with the guidance and support of the coaches and coordinator – Mr. Alfonso Victorino Lualhati, Mr. Jacobson Labay, and Ms. Ma Millicent Ramos-Geron, together with their coaches, Raul Roldan Bicol, Hanz Christian Gaba, and Robert Kevin Wolfert.

Mr. Lualhati, Basketball Mustangs coordinator, shared how proud he was of the players’ determination and teamwork in reaching the championship.

According to him, compared to the previous season (2023–2024), other schools have also raised their level of play, and their coaches have enhanced their strategies and training methods–developing new strategies, stronger defense, and better lineups.

However, CLB Mustangs had an advantage when it comes to energy and stamina, allowing them to maintain their performance until the end of the game. "Noong championship, ang first five ng kalaban ay nag-substitute na samantalang ang ating first five ay tapos na ang quarter ay gano’n pa rin ang performance," Mr. Lualhati said.

He also shared a starting point where the team turned into beasts on the court.

"Ang first five na si Carl ay na-injury during the 3rd game, ito ‘yung pinaka-point kung saan bumangis ang mga bata at talagang hindi na tinuring na ka-Batangueño ang mga nakalaban. ‘Yun ang pinaka-starting point na bumangis ang mga bata," he added.

In the end, Aljay Sigarra was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his impressive performance on the court.

According to Sigarra, teamwork was the key to defending their championship title for the three consecutive years. He shared that their injured teammate, Carl Andrei Candor, became their inspiration to play harder and give their best.

"Laruin lang nang masaya at ipakita ang best, tiwala lang sa ka-team at magkaroon ng pagkakaisa," as he shared his mindset during the game.

Sigarra also left a message for future players who dream of becoming part of the CLB Mustang.

"Ipagpatuloy ang paglalaro tsaka ‘wag mawawala ang disiplina sa sarili, tsaka training lang nang training, balang-araw sila naman ang makakakuha ng ganitong achievement,” Sigarra said. The Basketball Mustangs triumphed over 15 teams from different local colleges and universities across the country, marking their 3-peat championship title — a true testament to their skill, unity, and dedication to the game.

The 14th LCUAA was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of determination, teamwork, and school pride.

Athletes from different schools came together to compete, connect, and create lasting memories, proving that the heart of sports lies not only in victory but in unity and passion for the game, and all aim to bring pride to their respective institutions.

via Ashley Reodique, CLIMB