Ma. Josephine “Briana” Dela Cruz staved off a first-round defeat to finally break a haunting spell that tormented the MDSF chess delegation for years with a silver medal in the girls division of the BulPriSA chess meet, September 20 at Marian College, Baliwag, Bulacan.
Dela Cruz lost her twice-to-beat advantage in the playoff match against Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, before regaining her composure in the second round to give MDSF its first medal in chess over the last few years in the annual meet.
The Sagradan woodpusher went on an arduous climb in the tournament as she lost her very first elimination round match, but came back with vengeance to win three straight that catapulted her to the playoff round.
Mrs. Ria Valondo credited Dela Cruz’s success for her innate love for the sport.
“Nanalo siya dahil gusto niya ang ginagawa niya. Talagang hindi siya umaalis sa official’s table hangga’t hindi niya nalalaman ang pairing niya,” she said.
Valondo added that her ward would watch the games intently, studying her opponent’s moves which helped her in the latter part of the tournament.
Dela Cruz will represent the MDSF Chess Team in the upcoming provincial meet.
#SoarHighSagradans #2K17BulPriSA #SagradanLegacyRelived
By: Dan Angelo Bagadiong
