WNCAA Season 50 unfurls Saturday

The past 50 seasons of the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) have seen the league contribute players to national teams and other tournaments.

The country’s first and only tri-league for women will honor some of its past stars and toast the new generation when it gets the lid off its golden year this Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

All 15 members schools, including new member Assumption Antipolo, are co-hosting Season 50 aptly themed “Destined for Greatness.”

The first two champions will be crowned when hip hop dance for juniors and seniors is held right after the opening rites that start 10:30 a.m. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is guest of honor.

Eight-time senior basketball champion Centro Escolar University will open its bid against University of Makati at 2 p.m., followed by the San Beda College Alabang-University of Asia & the Pacific tussle at 3:30 p.m.

CEU also took the hip hop seniors crown last season and Miriam College the juniors title.

A “Hall of Greats” exhibit will be on display to allow fans and students a glimpse of the history of WNCAA, which is being supported by Mikasa, Molten, Sonak Trading, Converse, Uratex and media partner Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“The WNCAA, even if we are not as big as the the other leagues, have consistently provided member schools an avenue to display their athletic prowess,” said executive director Ma. Vivian Manila during the press conference on Wednesday at Aristocrat Malate. “We can confidently declare we will be remembered in the nation’s sports history as a provider of talents.”

Manila was joined in the media event by the league officers led by president Yolanda Co of Chiang Kai Shek College and secrertary general Angelica dela Cruz of San Beda.

Philippine Sports Commissioner Celia Kiram administered the oath of office of the new officials.

Basketball games resume Sunday at St. Jude Catholic School Manila gym.

Other member schools are St. Paul College Pasig, Philippine Women's University, De La Salle Zobel, Assumption College San Lorenzo, La Salle College Antipolo, St. Scholastica's College and St. Stephen's High School.