Back-to-back
UM Tagum spikers defend Rebisco V-league title
THE University of Mindanao (UM) defended its title after surviving past arch-rival Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), 16-25, 25-16, 2325, 25-19, 15-12, in the finals of the 2018 Rebisco Volleyball League Regional Finals girls 18 and below tournament held Monday afternoon at Martin Hall of Addu Jacinto campus.
UM Tagum, thus, booked an all-expense paid trip to the National Finals in November at the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City.
This will be UM Tagum's second-straight appearance to the National Finals where they placed fifth in Laguna last year.
UM Tagum players were seen crying after the final whistle in the game witnessed by over 200 spectators.
"Tungod ni sa tanan kahago gikan pa sa preleg hangtod diri sa finals. Tungod ni sa tanan paningkamot namo na nagbunga gyud. Wala sila nag-expect na ing-ani na kalisud karon ang regional finals. This is another victory for us (This victory is a result of all our efforts since the pre-leg going to the finals. This is the fruit of all our sacrifices. The players did not expect that hte regional finals would be this tough)," a teary-eyed UM Tagum head coach Michael Angelo Paulo said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao.
Paulo, however, said they will resume practice immediately once they return home to Tagum City.
"Lahi na competition ang national leg. Dili namo kayanon na kami lang sa team (The nationals would be an entirely different contest. We can't compete by ourselves)," Paulo said, also saying that they will seek reinforcements from Addu.
UM Tagum's Breyanna Kathleen Torejos Sasil was hailed most valuable player (MVP) for the second straight year.
"Overwhelming at flattering po masyado kasi pinaghirapan talaga namin itong kunin," Sasil, who led the pack in the crucial fourth set with explosive bombs and timely blocks, said.
She promised to give her best in the national finals, saying: "All out parin kami with unity."
The champion received P25,000 worth of Mikasa equipment, Rebisco giveaways, shirts from Rain or Shine, trophy and medals.
The rest of the special awardees: Addu's Takako Fujimoto (best setter), Kyla Codora (best first outside attacker), Janna Cane (best second middle blocker) and Keanna Adalo (best libero), UM Tagum's Maxene Joyce Tayag (best second outside attacker) and Bianco Ordoña (best first middle blocker) and Elizabeth Cabatingan of Cor Jesu College of Digos (best opposite attacker).
Cor Jesu College of Digos City, meanwhile, defeated Sto. Niño National High School, 25-22 and 25-23, in their battle for third. awarding rites of 2018 Rebisco Volleyball League Regional Finals girls 18 and below Monday afternoon at the Martin Hall of Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Jacinto campus.