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As team captains, Justine Anne Abastillas and Rikki Medina make sure that everyone in their squads is on the same page before, during, and after the games.

Justine and Rikki are representing the swimming and table tennis teams, respectively, of the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Benilde has always been a contender in swimming and table tennis, and both squads are expected to perform well in the league's upcoming Season 96.

NCAA sporting action though has to wait for the time being as league officials figure out how to proceed safely for this year.

In the meantime, we chat with Anne and Rikki to find out more about them and their interests.

Champion swimmer

Photo by: Justine Anne Abastillas (FB)

Bemedalled swimmer Justine is a sure winner in her chosen sport.

The 20-year-old Lucena native has raked in a total of 14 medals ranging from gold, silver, and bronze in Seasons 94 and 95 combined.

“My first season was the most memorable because I got to experience it by the first time and won four gold medals,” she said.

She almost won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that season as well.

“Swimming at first was just an exercise for me,” she said.

“My parents enrolled me in swimming lessons because I always got sick.”

She added, “I eventually fell in love with competing when I was around eight years old. I just love being in the water and also competing.”

The Eat Bulaga fan, however, is more than just a great swimmer.

From what we discovered, Justine is a capable guitar and ukulele player - a hobby she indulges in during her free time.

Photo by: Justine Anne Abastillas (FB)

“I also bake and set up my own online business during the quarantine,” the Harry Styles and One Direction fan proudly shared as well.

Once the season starts, however, Justine's focus will be on the competition and winning more medals for the team.

“The best thing about my sport is that even if it is an individual event, it does not feel like it. I made a family through this sport and that is my team.”

Musically gifted

Photo by: GMA Network

Rikki Medina would have been a performing musician if not for table tennis.

The Business Export Management student grew up in a musical household and was exposed to music at an early age.

“Music po talaga ang unang natutunan ko nung bata ako and nauna po 'yon kesa sports,” she revealed.

“Family of musicians po kami kaya po natuto na rin sa parents,” smiled Rikki, who plays the keyboard and piano well.

Singing, however, is not her forte as she jokingly said.

“Konti lang,” she laughed when asked if she could carry a tune.

“Ako po siguro 'yong funny na sintunado sa family kasi lahat sila napakagaling, e. Hindi po siguro ako napasahan ng talent [sa pagkanta], konti lang.”

Her dream of becoming a musician was derailed after she was mesmerized by the sport of table tennis.

Photo by: De La Salle - College of St. Benilde

“Actually 'yong pagiging mahilig po sa music since nasa family siya, nakitaan ko po talaga 'yong sarili ko na malaki ang potensyal ko dun,” recalled Rikki.

“Pero mula po nung nakita ko na malaki yong community, na maraming naglalaro ng table tennis sa school and ang dami nilang achievements, sila ang sikat sa school, so naisip kong makipag-friends sa kanila,” she chuckled.

“Na-inspire po talaga ako and tinuruan na lang din nila ako kaya na-engganyo na rin po ako.”

This year will be Rikki's final playing year for Benilde so she's hoping to finish the upcoming season with flying colors.

Watch Justine and Rikki and their teammates compete in Season 96 of the NCAA. The country's premier athletic league will be seen soon via GMA News TV and other Kapuso channels including GMA Pinoy TV for viewers living abroad.