“Last year, blessing na naging silver kami kasi we just prepared for just four days, (while) this year, mas mahaba ‘yong training program namin. ‘Yon lang naging difference ngayon kaya mas well-prepared ‘yong mga bata,” emphasized GC team coach Arthur Advincula on last year’s preparation for their silver finish to this year’s gold.
The Gordon College women’s volleyball team pulled off a big upset win against Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig (PLP), 3-1, securing the queen’s crown of the tournament of the 13th LCUAA National Games at Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) gymnasium today.
GC team ruled first and second set after a dominating 25-21, 25-17 win led by 2023 LCUAA Best Middle Blocker Ronavelle Bersabe’s 8 markers in the sets on top of two blocks and Janah Mikyla Santos’ all around performance.
“Very matured na si Rona, alam niya na ‘yong responsibilities niya (as) one of the best middles last year, alam niya na walang kayang pumigil sa kaniya,” mentioned Advincula on Bersabe’s performance in the finals.
Although PLP stained GC’s sweep in the third set of the finals, humbling them a bit, 17-25, and edging them after a 0-6 run in the latter part of the fourth set, the 2023 LCUAA first-runners proved themselves to be champion materials and showed GC’s greener than PLP in the finals, 25-22.
Advincula also underscored Roxzeth Dizon’s leadership to the team as the captain and one of the gunners of the team.
“Last year, may nagma-manage para sa team. Ngayon, siya ‘yong team captain, naiintindihan niya ‘yong ginawa naming set-up sa team na maglaro lang siya kasi may katulong na (siya),” the coach said.
Going into the finals, the ladies in green had a flawless 2-0 in the elims, topping group B, and secured the finals ticket after winning against Taguig City University (TCU) in the semifinals.
Although it was flawless, it was not all picture perfect as the team had to deal with bad weather condition and limited practice time.
“Challenging ‘yong weather, apektado ‘yong mga bata. Na-postpone sila na umabot ng two days, gusto kong magpa-ensayo pero lagi kaming nauunahan sa court, hindi sila nakapagpapawis ng dalawang araw,” he said.
On the other hand, PLP cut off last year’s champion’s Tangub City Global College (TCGC) run in the semis of the women’s volleyball tournament.
Fourteen local colleges and universities all over the country participated in this year’s national tournament.
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: Keane Rafael Abdon | Sports Editor
: John Christian Rocero | Broadcaster
: Lance Isaac Leon | Head Visual Artist