It’s redemption time for Central Visayas.
After consistently being the bridesmaid and almost content with just being at second place, Region 7 finally mounted the top of the podium on Wednesday and buried the pains of past frustrations by bagging the overall title of the Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) National Meet in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
And the Bisdaks did it in the sweetest possible way – dethroning overall Western Visayas (Region 6) with plenty to spare.
Prisaa-7 finished its campaign with 128 gold medals, 81 silvers, and 55 bronzes relegating back-to-back champions Region 6 at second place with 89 golds, 61 silvers, and 69 bronzes in the official medal standings.
However, the final day of competition proved bitter sweet for the Bisdaks who lost the collegiate football gold to Ceres La Salle Bacolod, 1-0 in the finals. But their secondary booters restored shattered pride by winning the gold medal when the Don Bosco Technological School Greywolves defeated a squad from Dipolog City in the championship match, 3-0.
Cebu City accounted for most of the region’s gold medals. The Niños captured 27 gold medals in swimming and 10 in athletics.
Region 7 also dominated lawn tennis by sweeping all eight medals at stake in the women’s division while its men’s squad harvested 5 golds and 1 silver.
Karatedo was another gold mine for Central Visayas whose karatekas collected nine of the 13 golds in the women’s division. It’s men’s team added four gilts to finish second overall in the sport behind Region 11 who got six first place finishes.
Prisaa-7 also raked four golds and two silvers in boxing.
Finishing at a far third in the national meet for private schools is Region 11 with 41 golds, 65 silvers, and 66 bronzes.