The race for the championship intensified as four powerhouse teams punched their tickets to the semifinals of the 1st Inter-Agency LISEA Pickleball Tournament ‘Conrado Estrella III Cup’ following thrilling quarterfinal encounters held Thursday at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Gymnasium along Elliptical Road, Quezon City.
Showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination, government agencies battled for a coveted spot in the tournament’s Final Four, delighting spectators with fast-paced rallies and competitive action on the pickleball courts.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) tandem of Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe emerged victorious in the opening quarterfinal match, overcoming the challenge posed by the Social Security System (SSS) pair of Erika Ravago and Claire Tañada to secure their place in the semifinals.
In the second quarterfinal showdown, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) duo of Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias displayed poise and consistency to defeat Philippine Heart Center (PHC) representatives Sheryl Dela Cruz and Maan Mendoza, booking a Final Four berth.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also stamped its authority as Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda outplayed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pair of Hazel Ubag and Jacqueline Quilit to advance.
Meanwhile, an all-BIR affair capped the quarterfinal round as Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad prevailed over fellow Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) teammates Juvie May Novio and Rica Banares, ensuring the agency’s continued presence in the title hunt.
With the quarterfinal dust settled, the semifinal stage is now set for a pair of highly anticipated clashes. BIR’s Jolina Dayoc and Leilanie Claridad will take on BPI’s Pearl Anisco and Gabriela Frias, while PNP’s Pialyn Fabros and Namnama Cajefe will square off against BFP’s Maylyn France Bautista and Nina Sorronda.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, fans can expect even fiercer competition as the remaining teams battle for a place in the championship match and the honor of becoming the inaugural champions of the Conrado Estrella III Cup.
‘The intensity continues to rise as only four teams remain standing in what has become one of the most exciting inter-agency pickleball events of the year.’