Tarlac bet Ortiguerra surprises crowd in Philippine Aquatics National tryouts

Photo: Ortiguerra a possible slot in PH Team

PROMISING Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset yet so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of the most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg on Saturday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.

The pride of Tarlac, Ortiguerra, 16, a Grade 10 student from Sto, Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City edged out Vietnam-based and two-time World Junior campaigner Heather White in what could be the most intense duel in the girl’s 15-17 50m backstroke in the three-day tournament serving as the final selection process for the 44-man Philippine Team set to participate in the 11th Asian Age Group swimming championship which the country hosting for December 3-6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Ortiguerra submitted a time of 31.20 seconds ahead of White who finished second at 32.27.

“Masayang-masaya po ako, first time ko pong nakalaban sa back stroke si Heather (White), kaya nagulat ako kasi ang bilis niya kahit hindi talaga siya back stroker. Pasalamat lang ako at nakuha ko yung panalo and very hopeful ako na mapasama sa Philippine Team after three years,” said Ortiguerra, who was 13-years old when she was included in the National team in 2019 SEA Age Group edition.

White, 16, has earlier won the girls 15-17 400m freestyle clocking 4:35.57.

“I’m not really a backstroker, that’s why I’m very with the results,” said White, a national junior record holder in freestyle.

As expected, veteran internationalist Jamesrey Ajido dominated the boys 12-14 class with another victory in the 200m Individual Medley (2:16.01). On the opening day, the 14-year-old multi-junior-record holder claimed the 200m freestyle (2:02.68), and 50m back (28.90).

Other noted junior tankers who claimed ‘provisionary’ status for the National Team are Arabella Taguinota in the girls 15-17 100m breaststroke (1:13.40), Chantelle Coleman in the girls 12-14 100m breast (1:19.82) and 50m breast (35.24), Kyla Louise Bulaga in the girls 12-14 200m Im (2:35.10),

Joshua Ramos in the Boys 18 & Over 50m back (27.79);

Peter Cyrus Dean in the boys 15-17 50m (27.74), Kacie Gabrielle Tionko in the girls 15-17 800m freestyle (10:03.51); Philip Santos in the boys 18-over 400m Im (4:52.68); Mishka Sy in the girls 18-over 400 IM (5:18.59); Patricia Santor in the girls 400m IM (5:19.23); Aishel Evangelista boys 12-14 400m Im (4:26.06), Thanya Dela Cruz girls 18-over 50m breast (31.83) and Ashton Clyde Jose in the boys 12-14 50m breast (32.57).

Tournament Director Chito Rivera said top two swimmers in their respective age group class or those who earned points nearest to World Aquatics 700 points will be considered in the Philippine team.