MANILA, Philippines – A historic double crown is here for National University’s taking.
And without an inch of hesitation, the Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs shoot for the kill against their University of Santo Tomas counterparts in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 volleyball finals Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The NU spikers raided the Tigers’ lair with convincing victories in the opener of the best-of-three rumble and want no let-up in a bid to finish them off altogether for their first volleyball twin title in school history.
The Bulldogs, who scored a 25-17, 26-24, 25-19 win to zero in on a four-peat, get a crack at it at 2 p.m. followed by the Lady Bulldogs’ bid for their second title in three years at 4 p.m. on the heels of a 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 Game 1 win.
NU was anticipated to be in a dogfight against the young Golden Tigresses in their first finals appearance in five years and the hungry Golden Spikers in a finale return trip after a runner-up finish last season before turning their first encounter to a bloodbath.
Simply put, the championship pedigree and the proven experience of the Lady Bulldogs and the Bulldogs spelled the major differenc e that they will utilize once again in a potential clincher.
“Ang mindset namin is kailangan tapusin na namin sa Game 2. Kailangan hindi na namin paabutin ng do-or-die pa,” said Bella Belen, the UAAP MVP wh en NU snapped a 65-year title drought two season ago before a bridesmaid finish to La Salle last time out.
“Huwag na kami maghanap ng challenge. Hanggat kaya naming tapusin ng Game 2, tapusin na namin.”
It’s the same mentality for the Bulldogs, who have been the barometer of collegiate men’s volleyball with their ninth straight finals appearance and a chance for a fourth stra ight title.
“After ng pandemic, naka-focus na talaga kami sa goal namin na madomina namin yung volleyball dito sa UAAP. Ang mindset lang is hindi kami pwedeng mag-relax sa mga ganitong sitwasyon,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin, out for payback after a runner-up finish with Choco Mucho in the PVL.
But NU’s plans of a victory march will not be met unopposed, with UST spikers vowing to wage an all-out retaliation to force a pair of winner-take-all duels.
Even if that means for the Golden Tigresses braving on to war with or without top soldier Angeline Poyos, whose status remains up in the air after going down with a right ankle injury in Game 1.
“Hindi dapat mawala ‘yung character na meron kami at isang bilin namin, walang nanalo ng isang panalo sa larong best-of-3. Kailangan lang namin makabalik,” said coach Kungfu Reyes, rallying his wards to treat Poyos’ injury as an added fuel.
Expect the Golden Spikers to display the same battle cry.
“I will challenge the players to wake up and have a sense of urgency. We will give our best. We will play our best,” said coach Odjie Mamon with reigning MVP Josh Ybañez and Gboy de Vega leading the way.
LAUREL, Batangas – Precious Zaragosa and Mona Sarines surged to the top of the leaderboard in the girls’ 11-14 category in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour, both carding two-over 74s to seize a five-stroke lead in the 54-hole tournament at the Splendido Taal Golf Club here Tuesday.
Zaragosa’s standout performance included a hole-in-one on No. 3; while Sarines finished strong with two birdies in the last three holes at the front in scorching conditions as the pair wrested a commanding lead over Lisa Sarines in one of the three age categories in the Luzon Series I of the of the 14-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
“I was really surprised,” said Zaragosa, who used a Mizuno pitching wedge and Titleist No. 2 ball to ace the 100-yard hole. “But I became nervous after that and made a double bogey and bogey in the next two holes.”
Looking ahead, she added: “I hope to putt better tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Like most of the 60 participants, Zaragosa intends to compete in all 14 legs of the JPGT, which will culminate in the Match Play Championship in October.
For her part, Mona Sarines acknowledged the need to improve on her approach shots.
“There’s still 36 holes left so I’ll just do my best and improve on those aspects,” she said.
Levonne Talion and Aerin Chua carded 83 and 87, respectively, while Althea Bañez and Kendra Garingalao struggled with 91 and 93, respectively.
In the boys’ 11-14 division, Race Manhit, 11, demonstrated his potential with an 81, despite not recording any birdies. This effort secured him a two-shot lead over Juan Antonio Cruz and Aenzo Sulaik, both of whom finished with 83, while Javie Bautista and Iñigo Gallardo stayed within striking distance with 85 and 86, respectively.
“The greens are fast and I couldn’t get my putting right,” said Manhit, who emphasized that playing in the JPGT helps him develop a competitive spirit.
The JPGT, sponsored by ICTSI, aims to nurture young talent and promote camaraderie among participants. It includes the 8-10 age division (36 holes) and the 15-18 category (72 holes), for both boys and girls.
The event is also designed to operate independently from other junior golf organizations, ensuring no scheduling conflicts and fostering a cooperate atmosphere.
In the girls’ 15-18 class, Lia Duque took charge with a 76, ending with a birdie on No. 9 as she grabbed a four-stroke lead over Ji Won Lee, who finished with an 80. Rafa Ancianoa posted an 85 while Anna Kei Fernandez struggled with an 88.
“The greens are pretty firm. But I made three three-putts, so I definitely have to clean that. I also made two double bogeys without penalties, so I need to fix that,” said Duque.
In the boys’ 15-18, Charles Serdenia set the pace with a 75, marked by two birdies but hampered by five bogeys, including one on the final hole. He held a three-stroke advantage over Zachary Villaroman, who led early with a frontside 38 but fell back with four bogeys in the last seven holes, finishing with a 78.
“I need to improve on my short game, especially irons,” said Serdenia, highlighting his round with a scrambling par on the par-5 No. 2 where he mishit his second shot, reached the green in four, and drilled in a long putt.
Rafael Manaol recovered from a rough start, birdying Nos. 8 and 9 but a challenging back nine left him with an 81in a tie with Gabriel Handog in the event also serving as a platform for discovering and developing talents, ensuring their growth in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Alexander Crisostomo and Patrick Tambalque shot 83 and 84, respectively, while Rafael Leonio and Bien Fajardo matched 85s, ensuring a spirited battle in the next three days.
In the youngest category, Maurysse Abalos took command with an 89, bolstering her title drive with a four-stroke lead over Teresa Tambunting, who finished with a 93, while Casedy Cuenca carded a 98.
Ryuji Suzuki birdied No. 7 and recorded a 78, opening a six-shot lead over Jose Luis Espinosa, who made an 84, while Kevin Tecson and Michael Ray Hortel II scored 100 and 122, respectively.