The LPU Cavite Junior Pirates made history as they received the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 95 1st Runner-up Award in the Juniors Basketball Division last November 19, 2019.

Led by Coach Julian Carlo Docto, the Junior Pirates exemplified determination and perseverance in contending with this season’s champion, San Beda Red Cubs.

Patrick Montaño, together with this year’s Mythical Five Awardees, McClaude Guadaña, the Pirates Captain, and John Ronald Barba, this season’s MVP, led the team in an intense final battle at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

“It’s been a tough season for us… Although hindi po kami nag-champion, it was a great season for us. Wala po akong kinakahiya dahil alam ko po na binigay ko yung best shots ko para sa LPU Junior Pirates,” Guadaña said in an interview.

Coach JC Docto said that the Championship game last Tuesday marked it as a heartfelt battle. “Yung buong team, coaches, (and the) admin, believed that we can do it … Sobrang blessed po kami, but circumstances turned out unfavorably, we lack 4 players, Omandac and Garing, may fever sila the day before game 3, Santos had a foot injury, and Caringal had a leg injury. Malaking part sila sa team, pero ‘team no excuse’ kami, maraming learnings samin. Ang dami pa namin need i-improve. Pero were very grateful sa narating namin.” Docto added. Though the Pirates lost their final game, Coach Docto said that the team believe that when the time is right, the Lord will make it happen. Docto expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the season and ended his interview with his statement, “We’ll continue this passion, in helping our young athletes to develop & nurture more of their talent, together with right values not just in competition, but in also in life inside outside the court gusto namin mag champion.”

NCAA is an athletics association which gives students from different universities and colleges a chance to be recognized in their field of sports. It also opens opportunities for student athletes to grow professionally and to be successful in their respective field. Viva Pirata! Viva LPU Junior Pirates!