prelim v-ball matches

by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES and DANICA ROSE QUINDAP

Geared with grit and tenacity to seize this year’s coup, mighty Griffins and the fearless Dragons hurdled over the net with their potent attacks and stamina as they each nabbed victories in the preliminary matches of the men’s volleyball tournament at the University Covered Court, April 18-20.

Green Eagles, 88-59, and the Yellow Griffin, 70-54, during the preliminary round of the bracket A.

“I’m really glad that we won today’s game since our preparations and hard work finally paid off,” Tiger Cager John Paul Jereza shared.

In an intense clash of skill, the Griffins emerged triumphant against the Eagles in a close match, 25-20, and claimed a commanding victory of 25-21 over the Phoenixes in a series of electrifying sets.

The Griffins scored 25-22 during the first set but was overpowered by the Eagles with a ten-point lead, 1525, during the second set.

“We have learned that no matter how hard the game is, no matter how many points [our] rival will score, we always get up and we always fight back,” Griffin spiker Christian Matthew Obligado said.

Despite losing the eventful opening set to the Phoenixes, 17-25, the determined Griffins dominated the second set, 25-15, through welltimed dives, forceful spikes, and coordinated passes.

“We admittedly [had] a very rocky start, but we kept our head in the game through intense focus and working together towards our common goal, which is to win the game,” Griffin spiker Angel Dunca explained.

Furthermore, defeated teams and the semi-final winners will compete in the playoffs and finals, respectively, on Apr. 23.

Moreover, the Dragons achieved a decisive win in a hard-fought battle of determination against both the Serpents with a score of 25-8 and the Tigers, 25-20, throughout a string of closed sets in matches.

“Admittedly, we encountered a few problems in our serves and receives but we managed to improve our performance in the succeeding set,” Dragon spiker Pattrick Francisco Cañete elaborated.

The Dragons dominated the first set, 25–14, while the Phoenixes outplayed the Dragons in the second, 20–25.

“It was our cooperation, harmony, and our ability to put trust in each other as teammates that made us win,” Dragon spiker Noah Dela Cruz shared.

Additionally, over the course of several fierce matches, the Tigers defeated the Serpents, while the Eagles triumphed against the Phoenixes.