By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Philippine Army flexed its might in boxing after seven fighters book semifinal berths in their respective weight classes on Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the 2023 ROTC Games National Championships at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Vince Lomboy led the charge with a referee-stopped-contest (RSC) victory over Air Force’s James Kert Valdez in the second round to inch closer to the gold medal in the flyweight 48-51kg division.
“Pangarap ko po talagang makasama sa national team para magkaroon ako ng opportunity na ma-represent ang bansa sa mga international tournaments,” said the 24-year-old Lomboy, a third year Education student at Tarlac State University.
Also earning berths in the flyweight class was teammate Joeler Efondo, who won by points, 5-0, over Navy’s Roland Medez.
Fellow Army bets Justin Laurezo and Jade Cabaya, likewise, advanced after winning by default over Navy’s Neil Quinton and Air Force’s Christian Dave Perez, respectively.
Meanwhile, another Army standout in Florence Sumpay also flexed his might with an RSC triumphin over Navy’s Archie John Hernandez in the second round for a Final Four seat in the featherweight 57kg division.
Teammate Renz Puyong also made his gold-medal bid felt in the said weight class with a 5-0 win over Air Force’s Ric Baron, while Rodrigo Lumogda won by default over fellow Army Bryl Bayogos.
Only Air Force’s Joerge Lamigo Jr. stole the spotlight after an RSC win in the second round over Navy’s Edcel Vilar.
In volleyball, University of Negros Occidental Recoletos whipped Tarlac State University, 25-20, 25-8, 25-20, at the Technological University of the Philippines gym.
Adamson University also disposed of Jose Rizal Memorial State University, 25-16, 25-13, 25-23, while Rizal Technological University bounced back from a third-set hiccup to prevail over Guimaras State University, 25-14, 25-20, 16-25, 25-17.
