INDANG, Cavite. – Former long jump and triple jump specialist Glyzzel Anne Monsanto sorely missed preparing for and competing in meets during the pandemic.
But just like any good soldier who is ready and willing to adjust to any battle conditions, Monsanto saw herself thriving as a late-bloomer in the sprint events.
Just how good she has become became evident Tuesday when she capped became the first triple gold medalist in the ROTC Games Luzon leg at the Cavite State University track oval here.
Monsanto topped the event in 14.0 seconds, nearly four seconds ahead of teammate Hannah Trisha Viloria (16.1), as students from Fullbright College in Puerto Princesa, Palawan made it a 1-2 finish in the competition jointly organized by the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education.
Last Monday, the former long jump and triple jump specialist won the women’s 200-meter run (28.6), then powered the Fullbright College quartet that included Viloria, Hazel Gerelina Anas and Jean Claire Agawin to a breezy victory in the women’s 4×100-meter relay (1:01.2).
Army cadet and University of Baguio student Jesylmay Licup shared the spotlight, completing a sprint double by winning the women’s century dash in 13.2 seconds for her second mint in the meet also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the office of Sen. Francis Tolentino.
Joining the list of multiple gold medalists was Air Force cadet James Borja of Quirino State University who sprinted to victory in the men’s 100-meter run for his second mint after anchoring QSU to victory in the men’s 4×100-meter relays (53.2) last Monday.
“Hindi ko inaakala na mananalo ako ng three golds kasi huminto ako sa paglalaro during the pandemic at ngayon lang nakabalik. Hindi rin ito ang mga regular events, tapos Fullbright College is not known for joining competitions so masaya ako,” Monsanto, 22, a fourth year BS Education student, said.
In online esports, San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite swept its three matches in the Call of Duty Mobile to capture the gold medal in the Army division of the Luzon qualifiers of the meet likewise supported by the Indang city government led by Mayor Perfecto Fidel.
