Team Dasma rules Champs League with rout of Air Force

Team Dasma captured the first-ever men’s title of the Champions League on Saturday night with a convincing win over Go For Gold-Air Force that effectively put a doubt on the national team program that made up the core of the conquered Aguilas.

Mark Calado, Madz Gampong, Ronniel Rosales and team captain Jayvee Sumagaysay powered the Monarchs in bouncing back from a lethargic opening set to carve out a 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17 victory at Aquamarine Recreation Center in Lipa City, Batangas.

Team Dasma came out unfazed despite losing the first set and trailing, 17-12, in the second, slowly chipping away at GFG’s leads through net defense and scoring firepower from Calado and Gampong.

And once they got the momentum, there was no turning back for the Monarchs, who even lost starter Wewe Medina due to injury.

“We are overwhelmed with this success because we did it against national team players and coaches,” said Team Dasma coach Norman Miguel. “But with all humility, we congratulate Go For Gold for giving us a very good final match.”

The Monarchs ruled the bubble tournament by winning all five matches, getting bragging rights as the first champion and the right to represent the country in next year’s Asian Clubs Championships along with women’s champion F2 Logistics.

Calado finished with 18 points, while Rosales and Gampong added 13 each. Rosales and Sumagaysay combined for 16 kill blocks that helped toss a monkey wrench in national team coach Dante Alinsunurin’s game plan.

Calado ran away with Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter awards.

Sumagaysay was awarded best First Middle Blocker, while Johnvic de Guzman of GFG won Best Opposite Hitter.

PH Team stalwarts De Guzman, Mark Alfafara and Kim Malabunga were in their elements for GFG-Air Force in the early goings, but trouble began when Team Dasma’s Arnold Bautista began sweeping their attacks and Timothy Tajanlangit started distributing the ball well.

What came as a shock was how the Aguilas failed to re-group despite a formidable lineup that won them their first four matches and made them as the outstanding title favorites. wwDe Guzman, team captain of both GFG and the national team, finished with 22 points. Alfafara and Malabunga had 15 and 11, respectively.

Earlier, Manileño Spikers shut down Global Remit, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, to claim third place.