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Nationals stun HD Spikers
National U’s five-set reversal over fancied Cignal in the one-game face-off for the inaugural Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference crown left many by surprise, but for coach Dante Alinsunurin, there was no sense of bewilderment, only sheer joy at overcoming the challenge......»»
Gerflor players receive partial pay
The Gerflor Defenders got some breathing room on Tuesday as head coach Sammy Acaylar confirmed that management has already given partial pay for the players’ salary after allegations spread on social media on the team’s finances......»»
‘Lucky charm’ Acaylar eyes PVL success with Gerflor Defenders
Many-time NCAA volleyball champion coach Sammy Acaylar is aiming to bring his “lucky charm” as a champion to the Premier Volleyball League......»»
Brazilian coach replaces Almadro as Ateneo women’s volley team mentor
Ateneo will have a new women's volleyball team head coach after missing the Final Four for the first time in 14 years......»»
Brazilian coach replaces Almadro at Ateneo
Ateneo will have a new women’s volleyball team head coach after missing the Final Four for the first time in 14 years......»»
Gilas training intensifies
Gilas Pilipinas shifts its training to high gear in preparation for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Gilas team manager Butch Antonio told Daily Tribune that they will have an intense nine-day training in Manila before leaving for Phnom Penh on 6 May, just in time for the opening of the men’s basketball event on 9 May at the Elephant Hall 2 inside the Morodok Techo Stadium. “We will practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Then, we’ll take a break on Saturday. We will resume on Sunday until before departure on 6 May,” Antonio said. Leading the way for Gilas Pilipinas will be players from TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – the protagonists in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals series that wrapped up last week. Tropang Giga stars Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram as well as Kings stars Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger, Jeremiah Gray, Scottie Thompson, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee will be at the helm when the Filipinos reclaim the glory they lost to Indonesia in the previous edition of the Games in Hanoi. For good measure, Gilas coach Chot Reyes invited Filipino-American hotshot Mikey Williams to be part of the pool following the absence of injured Roger Pogoy. Playing for the national team has been a dream of the 31-year-old gunner from Los Angeles. The closest thing he ever got to represent the country was when he played for Mighty Sports in the William Jones Cup and the Dubai International Tournament. Pogoy was supposed to join the aspirants but was sidelined by a fractured pinky he suffered in the middle of their championship series. He was reduced into a mere cheerleader starting Game 4 and was ruled out for the biennial meet. Also sitting out will be June Mar Fajardo, who suffered a torn medial collateral ligament during his stint with San Miguel Beer in the East Asia Super League last March. Although the six-time PBA Most Valuable Player is already doing strengthening procedures, he has yet to do some on-court workouts and scrimmages. A member of the national team program for a decade now, Fajardo confirmed to Daily Tribune that he will not be able to see action in the biennial meet. “I haven’t had hard court activities yet because I’m still doing some strengthening exercises,” said Fajardo, who appeared fit when he showed up as one of the local ambassadors of FIBA World Cup during the partnership launching of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, San Miguel Beer and Cignal/TV5. “I haven’t even touched a basketball as I’m more focused on my rehab.” While Pogoy and Fajardo won’t be able to see action, returning Ginebra veteran forward Japeth Aguilar is determined to rejoin the team, according to Kings coach Tim Cone, who serves as one of the assistant coaches of Reyes at Gilas along with the younger Reyes and Jong Uichico. “He certainly wants to join and play,” wrote Cone in a Viber message. “But only if he’s 100 percent fit and that is to be determined by the SBP medical team.” Aguilar is also coming off a knee injury and he only returned to action midway the championship series. Other PBA players included in the Gilas pool are CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross of San Miguel Beer, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of NLEX, Chris Newsome, Aaron Black and Raymond Almazan of Meralco, collegiate stars Michael and Ben Phillips and Kevin Quiambao of La Salle, incoming Ateneo forward Mason Amos and Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa. The post Gilas training intensifies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl lady spikers face Cambodians
The Philippines could take advantage of a favorable schedule in Group B to build momentum in its mission to end an 18-year podium drought in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games women’s volleyball competition in Cambodia next month. Pitted against the host team to start the hostilities on 9 May, the seasoned Filipinas are the overwhelming favorites facing the Cambodians who are making a debut in the division since the country joined the biennial meet in 1961. Driven by the success of its men’s team which won bronze in last year’s pandemic-delayed Hanoi SEA Games, Cambodia decided to field a fledgling women’s squad hoping to get a good result on home soil. “We are ambitious, so we want to be well prepared and take the opportunity to enter women’s teams (indoor and beach volleyball) for the first time at the SEA Games. We believe the technical skills of our players will be close to the top teams – and certainly better than some nations in the region,” a confident Volleyball Federation of Cambodia secretary-general Aing Serey Piseth said in an interview with the Phnom Penh Post. But the battle-tested Pinay Spikers are sure to exploit all their advantages in skills, experience, and firepower to give the still wet-behind-the-ears Cambodians a rude welcome to jumpstart their campaign to win a medal for the first time since claiming bronze in the 2005 Manila edition. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m. (Cambodia time) at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall. The Nationals, who finished fourth in the previous contest, hope to use a win against the home team as springboard when they face last edition’s silver medalist Vietnam on 10 May. The Philippine team, skippered by Alyssa Valdez, will wrap up the group stage against underdog Singapore on 11 May. Bracketed in Group A are defending champion Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. The top two teams in the group stage will face off in the crossover semifinals. The Nationals are currently in Japan for a two-week training camp which will wrap up on 28 April. Joining Valdez in the 14-woman roster handled by Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito are her Creamline teammates Tots Carlos, setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, Ced Domingo, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabo and libero Klya Atienza. Also in the squad are Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat, Gel Cayuna and Chai Troncoso of Cignal, Dell Palomata of PLDT, and Choco Mucho’s Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino and Akari’s defense specialist Bang Pineda, a last-minute replacement for injured PLDT libero Kath Arado. Meanwhile, the men’s national team opens its campaign on 3 May against defending champion Indonesia in Group A. Inserted in the group of death following a re-draw, the Filipinos will then take on Cambodia on 4 May before squaring off against Singapore on 6 May. The post Phl lady spikers face Cambodians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Acaylar repays Perpetual trust
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta coach Sammy Acaylar is repaying the trust given to him by leading the Altas to its third straight title in the men’s volleyball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Acaylar said the trust given to him by the school has never changed, inspiring him to work hard to lead the Altas to the NCAA title year in and year out. Since getting hired in 1984, Acaylar led Perpetual to a 13 NCAA crowns to tie with Letran College for the most number of championships in the country’s oldest collegiate league. “My goal every year is for Perpetual to win. This is for the Perpetual community and for the Tamayo family,” said Acaylar, expressing gratitude to the family of Perpetual owner Dr. Antonio Tamayo. “I’m not thinking about getting the best coach or any individual awards. The only thing that is on my mind is winning.” With Acaylar, who was part of the coaching staff of the team that won the country’s last gold medal in the women’s volleyball event of the Southeast Asian Games in 1993, at the helm, the Altas were unstoppable. They swept the eliminations to gain an outright spot in the best-of-three finals against San Beda University, who survived the grueling step-ladder phase. The Altas won Game 1, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 but the Red Spikers froze the series at 1-1 after registering a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-13, 15-11 win, snapping the Altas’ 32-game winning streak dating back to 19 February 2018. But in Game 3 last Sunday, Perpetual pulled off a 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 win to finally complete the coveted three-peat behind Season 98 league and Finals Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez, Jeff Marapoc, Michael Medalla and KC Andrade, JC Eneraciso and libero Philip Pepito. Acaylar said it’s discipline and dedication that fuels Perpetual to win aside from the school pride that is synonymous to winning. “We have three D’s: discipline, determination and dedication. I even added hard work and commitment to our values and that’s why we’re intact,” Acaylar, who also emerged as Coach of the Year, said. “We would easily get recruits because whenever people mention Perpetual, it’s associated with men’s volleyball.” The post Acaylar repays Perpetual trust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Altas complete NCAA three-peat
There’s simply no stopping defending champion University of Perpetual System Dalta from pulling off a three-peat after a 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 win over San Beda University yesterday in Game 3 of the Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s volleyball tournament finals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. Finals Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez came up big with 23 attacks, two kill blocks and an ace to help power the Altas to their 13th league title, including eighth in the Final Four era. Jeff Marapoc, Michael Medalla and KC Andrade also provided precious points for the Altas while JC Eneraciso and libero Philip Pepito also made their presence felt in the victory. “I composed myself and motivated them in the end game apart from giving out the strategy,” said the Altas’ victorious coach Sammy Acaylar, who also called the shots in the 12 previous championships. “San Beda fought hard today,” he said. Acaylar said he was determined to deliver for the school. “I am happy whenever people tell me I won the championship because I want Perpetual to win a championship.” Rookie Ralph Cabalsa and Lorenz Cayag also contributed 12 points apiece for San Beda. Perpetual won Game 1, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 but San Beda froze the series at 1-1 after registering a 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-13 and 15-11 win, snapping the Altas’ 32-game winning streak. The post Altas complete NCAA three-peat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cignal coach thankful for breakthrough win in PVL All-Filipino Conference
Third time's the charm for the Cignal HD Spikers as they were finally able to barge into the win column in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday......»»
Cignal moves on as Gonzaga exits
Cignal is now preparing life sans seasoned spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga. Newly-promoted head coach Shaq Delos Santos revealed that Gonzaga, a mainstay of the team for the past four years, might not see action this year as she will prioritize fulfilling her double duties with the Philippine Army. The 29-year-old opposite hitter is currently based at […] The post Cignal moves on as Gonzaga exits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shaq tapped as Cignal coach
Former national team mentor Shaq delos Santos will call the shots for Cignal in its Premier Volleyball League debut next month......»»
Shaq Delos Santos promoted to Cignal head coach
Former national team coach Shaq Delos Santos has been promoted as the new head coach of Cignal for its debut in the Premier Volleyball League, the team announced Friday......»»
Ayo tapped as Pilipinas 3×3 team head coach
Champion mentor Aldin Ayo was named Monday as head coach of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 team for FIBA tournaments. Ayo will take over as tactician of an elite squad, rechristened Manila Chooks TM, led by PH no. 1 Joshua Munzon, no. 2 Alvin Pasaol, no. 5 Troy Rike, and no. 6 Santi Santillan. Ayo replaces resigned […] The post Ayo tapped as Pilipinas 3×3 team head coach appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosos, Sipin join Perpetual Spikers
Three-peat-seeking Perpetual Altas Men’s Volleyball Team of multi titled head coach Sinfronio ‘Sammy’ Acaylar is tapping Kirth Patrick Rosos of the Junior Altas spikers and 6’2” Dumaguete City native Ramoel Christian Dorado Sipin to add more teeth to what is already a powerhouse cast of the Las Pinas-based tossers......»»
Robinson replaces Alas as Phoenix coach
Assistant coach Topex Robinson is taking over the post held by head coach Louie Alas, who was suspended from his job at Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmaster for 15 days......»»
SEA GAMES: The silver that glittered like gold
When the editorial staff of ABS-CBN Sports was tasked to come up with our most memorable coverage, it didn’t take long for this writer to respond. The Philippine men’s volleyball team’s Southeast Asian Games semifinal match was the first thing that came to mind. Pesonally, that game against the highly-fancied Thailand squad topped all the countless volleyball matches that I’ve covered in my career. I’m at a loss for words on how to describe the emotions I felt that chilly night of December 8, 2019. Around 6,700 fans filled the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City not knowing that what they were about to witness was something historic. A magical night that would take away the frustrations they felt the day before when the more popular women’s team finished the preliminary round winless. For us sportswriters covering that assignment, we knew the Filipinos were up for a tough ride. Thailand ruled the last four editions of the event. On the other hand, the Philippines’ last significant outing in the biennial meet was a bronze medal finish back in 1991 – or when the current national team’s oldest member, setter Jessie Lopez was just five-years old. Did we doubt our own team? Let’s just say we prayed to the high heavens to give us something positive to write about. But don’t get us wrong. Those who followed the formation and preparation of the squad knew it would yield results come the SEA Games. After all, in all three batches of the Nationals that participated in the regional sports meet since 2015, this particular team had the longest time to prepare – around eight months to be exact. The team’s composition itself looked really promising. For the first time, two of country’s best hitters in Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, who both have experience playing in the Japan V. League, donned the tricolors together. Espejo returned after skipping the 2017 edition so did his teammates in the 2015 squad Rex Intal and setter Ish Polvorosa. Bagunas was on his second tour of duty along with team captain John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, RanRan Abdilla and libero Jack Kalingking. Head coach Dante Alinsunurin, who was appointed to handle the team after Oliver Almadro and Sammy Acaylar in 2015 and 2017, respectively, tapped an old hand in Lopez and injected young bloods in playmaker Owa Retamar, Jau Umandal, Kim Malabunga, Ricky Marcos and Francis Saura. As part of their buildup the Nationals joined the Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championship July last year. The Filipinos achieved a great feat when they won bronze. Fans were able to witness the Nationals’ campaign via YouTube streaming while we volleyball writers, got to file our full stories through the help of De Guzman and Bagunas (God bless their beautiful hearts) who supplied us with game stats and granted postgame interviews. It’s just a shame I never got to cover the team’s training in Japan when the Nationals’ preparation went on full throttle. (Note: A little confusion in the training camp coverage assignments had me flying to Japan with the women’s squad and Lance Agcaoili of Spin.ph joining the men’s team. But it was a great experience, nonetheless, and I’m grateful for Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. for the opportunity.) I was as confused as the other sportswriters present during the draw for the group stage a couple of months before the SEA Games when Alinsunurin chose to join the four-team bracket with Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Those three teams are considered contenders every SEA Games edition. And earning a semifinal spot would be harder compared to the other group composed of Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore. Fortunately, the gamble was worth it. Espejo and Bagunas were superb offensively, Malabunga and Retamar made their presence felt and the Nationals’ blocking shocked Cambodia and Vietnam as the Filipinos swept them both to secure a semis seat. Then came the steamrolling Indonesians. Honestly, I thought the Nationals would sweep their way to the group’s top seeding. That way the PHI’s would've avoided a semis clash with Thailand. Forced to take on the defending champions, the Filipinos found themselves down in the first set. They got back in the second frame before yielding the third. And when the Thais came to match point, 24-21, in the fourth we all thought it was over. Fans were slowly emptying the bleachers not wanting to see the impending defeat. I was already waiting for the final score. Ready break the result. Then a miracle happened. The Nationals nibbled on the Thais' lead to force a deuce. After another deadlock, the Filipinos stole the set. The fifth frame was classic story of ‘who wants it more will win.’ An extended set made it even more dramatic. I vividly remember that sequence when Bagunas hammered the game-clinching kill off a lob from Lopez. After that all that I can recall was me pumping my fist up in the air and slapping the hardest high-fives I ever did with those inside the press room while howling like a madman. The national team assured itself of a silver after 42 years. A silver after four freaking decades. They did it. Of course, the Indonesians bullied their way to winning the gold medal in a sweep of the inexperienced Filipinos. But who cares, the host team exceeded its podium expectations. That silver that glittered like gold made that coverage truly memorable. But it never crossed my mind that it would be the last important volleyball event that I will get to report. (Note: It would’ve been the UAAP if not for the health crisis that put all sporting events to a halt. Sad.) And that’s why I ended up writing these last few paragraphs. A farewell from this section. From my first article for this website back on December 1, 2014 – a post-mortem of Petron’s breakthrough title in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix – to my last published story, these were all written with only one thing in mind: in the service of the Filipino sports fan worldwide. Our run may have not been perfect, of course, we had our flaws. We had our fair share of criticisms from fans, athletes, sports personalities and sometimes even from our partner leagues and properties. We accepted our shortcomings. We tried to be better. But we are proud of what we did. We take pride with how we delivered sports stories through various digital executions that showcased sports beyond the confines of competition. On midnight of September 1 while most of you lay sound asleep, deep in slumber, hopefully, having a good dream and hours away from waking up looking forward to a better day, this website will be snapped out of existence. More than half a decade of sharing stories to the Filipino sports fan will be seeing its last presence online on Monday – a holiday to celebrate the nation’s heroes. This website will then hear its final buzzer, its final whistle. Thousands of articles – written with passion, dedication and love – will be taken down as this website goes offline together with majority of ABS-CBN Sports’ social media accounts. But soon, hopefully, it will once again see the light of day. We do hope that you will remember us, for we will remember all of you who made us your Kapamilya. -- 30 -- --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles Mark Escarlote has served as a sub-section editor for ABS-CBN Sports' website since 2014. He is among thousands of ABS-CBN employees who will be retrenched on August 31, 2020. .....»»
SEA GAMES: The silver that glittered like gold
When the editorial staff of ABS-CBN Sports was tasked to come up with our most memorable coverage, it didn’t take long for this writer to respond. The Philippine men’s volleyball team’s Southeast Asian Games semifinal match was the first thing that came to mind. Pesonally, that game against the highly-fancied Thailand squad topped all the countless volleyball matches that I’ve covered in my career. I’m at a loss for words on how to describe the emotions I felt that chilly night of December 8, 2019. Around 6,700 fans filled the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City not knowing that what they were about to witness was something historic. A magical night that would take away the frustrations they felt the day before when the more popular women’s team finished the preliminary round winless. For us sportswriters covering that assignment, we knew the Filipinos were up for a tough ride. Thailand ruled the last four editions of the event. On the other hand, the Philippines’ last significant outing in the biennial meet was a bronze medal finish back in 1991 – or when the current national team’s oldest member, setter Jessie Lopez was just five-years old. Did we doubt our own team? Let’s just say we prayed to the high heavens to give us something positive to write about. But don’t get us wrong. Those who followed the formation and preparation of the squad knew it would yield results come the SEA Games. After all, in all three batches of the Nationals that participated in the regional sports meet since 2015, this particular team had the longest time to prepare – around eight months to be exact. The team’s composition itself looked really promising. For the first time, two of country’s best hitters in Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, who both have experience playing in the Japan V. League, donned the tricolors together. Espejo returned after skipping the 2017 edition so did his teammates in the 2015 squad Rex Intal and setter Ish Polvorosa. Bagunas was on his second tour of duty along with team captain John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, RanRan Abdilla and libero Jack Kalingking. Head coach Dante Alinsunurin, who was appointed to handle the team after Oliver Almadro and Sammy Acaylar in 2015 and 2017, respectively, tapped an old hand in Lopez and injected young bloods in playmaker Owa Retamar, Jau Umandal, Kim Malabunga, Ricky Marcos and Francis Saura. As part of their buildup the Nationals joined the Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Championship July last year. The Filipinos achieved a great feat when they won bronze. Fans were able to witness the Nationals’ campaign via YouTube streaming while we volleyball writers, got to file our full stories through the help of De Guzman and Bagunas (God bless their beautiful hearts) who supplied us with game stats and granted postgame interviews. It’s just a shame I never got to cover the team’s training in Japan when the Nationals’ preparation went on full throttle. (Note: A little confusion in the training camp coverage assignments had me flying to Japan with the women’s squad and Lance Agcaoili of Spin.ph joining the men’s team. But it was a great experience, nonetheless, and I’m grateful for Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. for the opportunity.) I was as confused as the other sportswriters present during the draw for the group stage a couple of months before the SEA Games when Alinsunurin chose to join the four-team bracket with Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Those three teams are considered contenders every SEA Games edition. And earning a semifinal spot would be harder compared to the other group composed of Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore. Fortunately, the gamble was worth it. Espejo and Bagunas were superb offensively, Malabunga and Retamar made their presence felt and the Nationals’ blocking shocked Cambodia and Vietnam as the Filipinos swept them both to secure a semis seat. Then came the steamrolling Indonesians. Honestly, I thought the Nationals would sweep their way to the group’s top seeding. That way the PHI’s would've avoided a semis clash with Thailand. Forced to take on the defending champions, the Filipinos found themselves down in the first set. They got back in the second frame before yielding the third. And when the Thais came to match point, 24-21, in the fourth we all thought it was over. Fans were slowly emptying the bleachers not wanting to see the impending defeat. I was already waiting for the final score. Ready break the result. Then a miracle happened. The Nationals nibbled on the Thais' lead to force a deuce. After another deadlock, the Filipinos stole the set. The fifth frame was classic story of ‘who wants it more will win.’ An extended set made it even more dramatic. I vividly remember that sequence when Bagunas hammered the game-clinching kill off a lob from Lopez. After that all that I can recall was me pumping my fist up in the air and slapping the hardest high-fives I ever did with those inside the press room while howling like a madman. The national team assured itself of a silver after 42 years. A silver after four freaking decades. They did it. Of course, the Indonesians bullied their way to winning the gold medal in a sweep of the inexperienced Filipinos. But who cares, the host team exceeded its podium expectations. That silver that glittered like gold made that coverage truly memorable. But it never crossed my mind that it would be the last important volleyball event that I will get to report. (Note: It would’ve been the UAAP if not for the health crisis that put all sporting events to a halt. Sad.) And that’s why I ended up writing these last few paragraphs. A farewell from this section. From my first article for this website back on December 1, 2014 – a post-mortem of Petron’s breakthrough title in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix – to my last published story, these were all written with only one thing in mind: in the service of the Filipino sports fan worldwide. Our run may have not been perfect, of course, we had our flaws. We had our fair share of criticisms from fans, athletes, sports personalities and sometimes even from our partner leagues and properties. We accepted our shortcomings. We tried to be better. But we are proud of what we did. We take pride with how we delivered sports stories through various digital executions that showcased sports beyond the confines of competition. On midnight of September 1 while most of you lay sound asleep, deep in slumber, hopefully, having a good dream and hours away from waking up looking forward to a better day, this website will be snapped out of existence. More than half a decade of sharing stories to the Filipino sports fan will be seeing its last presence online on Monday – a holiday to celebrate the nation’s heroes. This website will then hear its final buzzer, its final whistle. Thousands of articles – written with passion, dedication and love – will be taken down as this website goes offline together with majority of ABS-CBN Sports’ social media accounts. But soon, hopefully, it will once again see the light of day. We do hope that you will remember us, for we will remember all of you who made us your Kapamilya. -- 30 -- --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles Mark Escarlote has served as a sub-section editor for ABS-CBN Sports' website since 2014. He is among thousands of ABS-CBN employees who will be retrenched on August 31, 2020. .....»»
WHAT IF Marck Espejo played for DLSU?
We all know what Marck Espejo brought to Ateneo when he donned the Blue Eagles jersey in the UAAP. He led the blue and white to three straight titles in five consecutive Finals appearances in indoor volleyball and captured Ateneo’s first and so far lone championship in beach volleyball. As a player, Espejo achieved a feat difficult to surpass if not replicate. A Rookie of the Year award, five straight Most Valuable Player honors aside from other individual accolades. The Marikina pride even registered the league’s most points in a game with 55 during his last tour of duty with the Blue Eagles in Season 80. Espejo’s impact left a lasting imprint not only to the Blue Eagles but also to the entire league. Arguably, his persona could even also be attributed to the renewed popularity of men’s volleyball in the country which for years failed to bask in the same limelight enjoyed by women’s play. Indeed, Ateneo found a precious gem in Espejo. But what if Espejo decided to take his talents to a different school? Let’s say, De La Salle University. After all the green and white was actually one of Espejo’s options heading into college. [Related story: DID YOU KNOW? Marck Espejo almost played for DLSU] If Espejo played for the Green Spikers, he would definitely be a game changer. The Ateneo-National University championship rivalry wouldn’t have happened. Instead, it would’ve been the Bulldogs and Green Spikers duking it out for the crown during Espejo’s UAAP stint. “Kung sa amin siya naglaro panigurado malaki ‘yung impact sa team namin kasi alam naman natin si Marck malakas talaga siya kahit buong team kaya niyang dalhin,” former DLSU setter and now assistant coach Geuel Asia told ABS-CBN Sports. Asia, who played for the Green Spikers from Season 75 to Season 79, added that he’s very familiar with Espejo's game as they were teammates when the National Capital Region ruled the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan. “So malakas ang impact niya sa DLSU kung sakali. Power and mind maglaro si Marck so malaki ang matutulong niya sa DLSU,” said the former national team playmaker and Espejo's Cignal HD Spikers teammate. "Fit din siya sa system. Kahit na anong sistema aayon sa kanya, magiging comfortable siya." In fact, with him on board DLSU in Season 76, the Green Spikers might have even gotten a trip to the Final Four. The Green Spikers, who finished third n Season 75, were eliminated by Adamson University in the playoff for no. 4 spot the following season. Imagine Espejo adding more firepower to DLSU, which already had Season 75 MVP Red Christensen, Raymark Woo, Aaron Calderon, Ralph Calasin and Philip Cerveza. “Sobrang lakas talaga kung nangyari ‘yung ganun. Kasi yun din time na yun malakas si Woo eh,” said Asia. With Espejo, who was second in scoring in his rookie year and was in the top 10 in spiking, blocking, service and digs, DLSU might not even need to go to the playoff for a semis spot. Heck, the Green Spikers might even land at no. 2 - just like how Espejo led Ateneo into the Finals in Season 76 to face NU – considering that Christensen, Woo and Cerveza that year were consistently producing big numbers and contributing well on defense. Of course, that team would still find it difficult to surpass the powerhouse Peter Torres-led Bulldogs in the championship. But at least that would’ve given DLSU the much-needed championship experience. Let’s say Woo didn’t suffer a knee injury during the pre-season while playing in a ligang labas that forced him to sit out year, then DLSU would have remained a solid contender in Season 77. There might even have been the possibility that the Green Spikers ended a decade-long title-drought that year as they would have been parading an experienced and solid lineup composed of Espejo, Woo, setters Brendon Santos and Asia, libero Jopet Movido, Calderon, Christensen, Mike Frey, Arjay Onia, Cris Dumago and Calasin. The possibility of DLSU winning another title or two in the next three seasons with Espejo at the helm might not be far from reality. But then of course Season 80 would be a different story. That year the Green Spikers would’ve parted ways with most of its veterans leaving Espejo, Onia, Dumago and Frey leading a young team piloted by third year setter Wayne Marco. Even if DLSU did manage to crawl its way back into the Finals in Espejo’s last year, it would be extremely difficult to hurdle the Bulldogs parading a tall and very talented crew led by ace hitter Bryan Bagunas, Kim Malabunga, Madzlan Gampong, James Natividad, Francis Saura, setter Kim Dayandante and libero Ricky Marcos. But then again, a DLSU squad bannered by Espejo in the UAAP would have definitely been a sight to behold. Too bad we could only imagine the what ifs. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Cignal s Daquis spearheads morning exercise for Pasig COVID-19 patients
Daquis, who is also fitness coach, on Thursday brought her entire team to lead a morning exercise in front of patients at the Pasig City centralized quarantine facility in celebration of the city’s 447th foundation......»»