Letran edged College of St. Benilde in one of the closest battles in years to win its first general championship since reigning supreme seven seasons ago at the conclusion of the 85th NCAA tournament.
The Knights tallied a total of 325 points to end the two-year reign of the Blazers, who ended up in second place by a little less than four points behind with 321.60 points.
It was the Muralla-based school’s eighth general championship, which made them the second school with most titles behind Mapua’s seemingly unchallenged 21 overall crowns.
Letran drew strength from victories in men’s volleyball, chess, men’s beach volleyball and tennis to win their first title after seven years.
After ending the first semester with no title victories, the Blazers roared back by winning titles in football and women’s table tennis but the twin triumphs weren’t enough to overtake the Knights.
What hurt St. Benilde’s cause were its failed championship bids in women’s volleyball and beach volley, two events in which they were the favorites but came out short with heartbreaking runner-up finishes.
Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, OP., of Letran said the key was fielding in teams with realistic chances of winning.
“Our program and philosophy in sports is very effective, its quality participation,” said Calvo. “Although we don’t have complete teams, we were still able to emerge as overall champions.”
San Sebastian, which will host Season 86 this June, rode on its strong effort in the centerpiece event, athletics, finished a decent third with 306 points.
The Stags, of course, bested the San Beda Red Lions in basketball as well as women’s volleyball and the recently concluded track and field competition.
San Beda, which successfully hosted this year’s NCAA edition, ended up fourth with 289 points after ruling taekwondo, swimming and men’s table tennis while Perpetual Help came in at No. 5 with 213 points behind its win in women’s beach volleyball.
Arellano, one of the three guest teams this year, was a surprise seventh place finisher after accumulating 156 points.
The Chiefs, along with the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, were recently elevated as regular members on a probationary basis starting Season 86.
Mapua finished sixth with 153.60 points while Jose Rizal (129), EAC (90.60) and Angeles U Foundation (82) eighth, ninth and 10th places, respectively.
In juniors action, San Sebastian captured its first general championship in three years by amassing 295 points to also end CSB-La Salle Greenhills’ two-year domination.
The Junior Blazers again finished runner-up with 280 points.
In winning their fourth crown overall, the Staglets came through with wins in chess and athletics to make up for its failed title defenses in basketball and volleyball.
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