Photo from PNVF
MANILA, Philippines—Team Dasmariñas made sure the first championship would be a memorable one as it stunned powerhouse Go for Gold-Air Force in four sets, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17, to claim the inaugural Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League title Saturday at Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa.
The Monarchs not only became the tournament’s first champions but will also represent the Philippines in the 2022 AVC Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Urmia, Iran, from May 15-22.
“Well, I’m very happy that we are champions against a team composed mostly of national players,” said Team Dasmariñas head coach Norman Miguel. “We’re very proud that we were successful in this tournament. This is our goal.”
Dasmariñas raced to a comfortable 18-11 lead in the fourth and the team never looked back one bit.
Mark Calado, who earned the MVP plum, led the Monarchs with 18 points while Madzlan Gampong and Arnold Bautista had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
John Vic De Guzman led the Aguilas with 22 points while Mark Alfafara added 15.
VNS Manileño, meanwhile, captured the bronze after a 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 sweep of Global Remit.
Calado also earned one of the Best Outside Hitters award along with Alfafara while his teammates Jayvee Sumagaysay and Kris Silang bagged the Best Middle Blocker and Best Setter trophies.
VNS’ Rwenzmel Taguibolos got the other Best Middle Blocker award while the Go fo Gold tandem of De Guzman and Ricky Marcos won the Best Opposite and Best Libero titles, respectively.