03/10/2025
SPORTS FEATURE | CBA Dragons keep their fire alive with historic fourth win
The CBA Dragons have once again proven that their flame shows no sign of burning out. With a commanding performance at the Women’s Chess Tournament, they clinched their fourth consecutive championship, carving their name deeper into Palarong Wesleyan history. The matches unfolded at the Elementary Library on September 30, 2025, where the Dragons not only defended their crown but roared louder than ever.
For four straight years, the Dragons have been the team to beat—each season carrying the burden of expectation. This year was no different. With a perfect score of 10 across five rounds, they outmaneuvered every opponent, their fire blazing brighter with every calculated move.
But behind the clean sweep lies the invisible weight of pressure. Team captain Lianne Mae Gutierrez admitted that the road was far from easy.
“Pressured kami kasi ‘yon ang expected sa CBA, na dapat manalo. Makikita mo pa ‘yong mga kalaban na magagaling, kaya mas nakakapressure na dapat i-push namin bawat isa na manalo talaga,” she shared.
Instead of crumbling, Gutierrez turned that pressure into fuel—steadying her teammates and reminding them that patience was their greatest weapon.
“Mag-focus lang talaga sa bawat laro. Lagi namin pinapaalala sa kanila na huwag magmamadali sa bawat galaw. Mahalaga na huwag silang titira ng padalos-dalos dahil mas sigurado na mapapanalo nila ‘yong laro,” she added.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the team’s limited preparation. With conflicting schedules, the Dragons had only three Fridays of training before the tournament.
“Dahil wala po kaming vacant, at Friday lang po ang available, ‘yong day na ‘yon puro training lang ang ginagawa namin,” Gutierrez revealed.
Still, grit prevailed over time. Among the standouts was Claire San Jose, who bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her unwavering composure and precision on the board. Her performance anchored the team’s run and further solidified the Dragons’ dominance. The team also secured the Best Board awards for 1, 2, and 4, sweeping honors as thoroughly as they did matches.
In the end, it wasn’t just another championship. For the CBA Dragons, it was a reminder that greatness isn’t just about trophies and medals—it’s about carrying the weight of legacy, embracing the pressure, and finding strength in unity. And as their fire continues to burn, the question now is: Who can put it out?
Words by Anika Valino
Photo by Nike Bautista
Layout by CJ Marcelo
