Lucena Wildcats claim third straight Chairman’s Cup victory

Christine Joyce HawayFebruary 13, 2026

Defending champions, the Enverga-Lucena Wildcats, completed a stunning three-peat, overpowering the Enverga-Candelaria Jaguars 90–64 in the championship match at the University Gymnasium on Feb. 13.

The team proudly took home the Chairman’s Cup, personally signed and handed over by Chairman Wilfrido L. Enverga, marking another triumphant chapter in their tournament legacy.

**Marching in unity:** School heads of affiliate schools ceremoniously walk while carrying the Chairman’s Cup flag. Front and center is Coordinator of Affiliate Schools Dr. Amelita Balagtas, along with Dr. Alexander Cabales (Enverga-Calauag), Dr. Jose Giron (Enverga-Sampaloc), Dr. Crystal Quintana (Enverga-Candelaria), Dr. Reina Pasumbal (Enverga-Lucena Basic Education Department), Dr. Victor Oribe (Enverga-San Antonio), and Dr. Noberta Rodil (Enverga-Catanauan Panthers).

The battle for third place came just before the championship showdown, with the Catanauan Panthers edging out the Sampaloc Lynx, 68–59, to claim the tournament’s second runner-up spot.

Vej Jake Laruan of Lucena Wildcats, wearing jersey #28, won the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP). The team was also led to victory through the help of their coaches Rex Villasin, Jimmy Gaya, Paul John Reyes, and Melki Villanueva.

Before the second half, the recently crowned Miss Enverga 2026 queens were presented to the cheering crowd. Alongside the runner-ups, Elisse Poblete sashayed across the court with poise and confidence, captivating the audience with every step.

The Wildcats mascot joins Miss Enverga 2026 winner Elisse Poblete from BED-SHS and runner-ups Atheena Gaela from CIHTM, Radhakrishna Nicodemus from CEng, and Trxie Maypa from CAS. as they sashayed across the court, bringing pageant glamour to the halftime show.

The journey to the finals was a test of endurance, consistency, and heart. The Chairman’s Cup tipped off with its first four elimination games at the Enverga Gymnasium, where early contenders began to separate themselves from the pack. From there, the tournament carried its momentum to Catanauan for Games 5 to 8, then to Sampaloc for Games 9 to 12, before concluding the elimination round in San Antonio for Games 13 to 15. The multi-town format not only intensified the competition but also brought the tournament closer to communities across the district.

When the dust settled after the grueling elimination stretch, only four teams remained standing. The Wildcats, Jaguars, Panthers, and Lynx — the squads with the strongest win-loss records — secured their spots in the semifinals held in Candelaria, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle that would ultimately determine this season’s championship contenders.

Final elimination standings

After a grueling 15-game elimination stretch played across multiple host towns, the standings reflected the teams that demonstrated the most consistency and composure throughout the tournament. Based on total wins and losses, the following records determined the final rankings heading into the semifinal round:

Lucena Wildcats — 5–0, finishing the elimination round undefeated and setting the benchmark for the competition.

Candelaria Jaguars — 4–1, maintaining a strong and consistent performance throughout the elimination round, with only one setback against the eventual top-seeded Wildcats.

Sampaloc Lynx — 3–2, securing key victories while staying competitive in several closely contested matchups.

Catanauan Panthers — 2–3, demonstrating resilience throughout a challenging elimination schedule.

Calauag Bobcats — 1–4, achieving a hard-earned victory and showing flashes of potential against stronger opponents.

San Antonio Cheetahs — 0–5, consistently giving their best effort and remaining determined throughout the elimination campaign.