Fencing gold medalist at SEA Games was a volleyball player

Fencing gold medalist Michelle Bruzola, who won the women's individual epee on Friday, was actually a varsity volleyball player for the University of the East, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Philippine delegation. "Our fencing coach invited me to join the fencing team kaya eventually nakasali ako sa national team in 2005," the 19-year-old doe-eyed information technology student said. That was just two years ago, which goes to show her quick development in the sport. Proof of her precocious ability was her close 15-13 win over her more senior teammate, Harlene Orendain, 23, who was the topnotcher in their November ranking tournament, in Friday's finals. "Ang sabi lang namin sa isa't-isa basta kaming dalawa ang maghaharap sa finals masaya na kami," Bruzola said. Bruzola built an early 6-0 lead that served as the cushion against her rallying teammate. She was also among the top performers of the RP fencing squad that saw action in its first and only overseas exposure, the Asian Fencing Championships held in Nantong, China, where she finished 13th overall and reached the round of 16. The youngest of two daughters, Bruzola has always shown a knack for sports and also plays badminton and chess. "Mitzi (Bruzola's nickname) is slim, has speed, strength and determination, which are ideal qualities of a good fencer," fencing head coach Benny Vergara said. "Some people seem to pick up fast and she's one of them." Asked what she would do with the P100,000 incentive from the Philippine Sports Commission for winning the gold, Bruzola replied: "Buy myself a laptop." - GMANews.TV