KES spikers reign
THE Kabacan Elementary School (KES) swept the grade school boys and girls titles while Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) clinched the high school boys title at the close of the 29th Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Ka- dayawan sa Dabaw Volleyball Invitational League at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center over the weekend.
KES grade school boys spanked AdDU, 15-25,1725, in their championship match. KES bested Univer- sity of the Immaculate of Conception (UIC), 25-16, 25-12, to arrange a title showdown against Ateneo, a 25-17, 23-25, 25-19 winner over Jose Bastida Elementary School (JBAS).
Kabacan team captain Charles Allhen Pabi spearheaded the charge along with teammates Kenneth Alfante, John Keneth Delfin, Lloyd Aringo, and Conrad G as they immediately executed its attack plays that paved way for an early 5-2 early lead.
Ateneo, however, came back attacking behind the efforts of team captain Elijah Johnson Pleños backedup by Vincent Villarba, Jairius Jaranilla, Hanz Nierves, and Michael E. Mancia as they combined to score seven straight ace points to grab a 9-5 lead, forcing KES coach Celso D. Calubag Jr. to call a timeout to cut the momentum.
KES setter Pabi then connected on four successive smart drop plays to force a 9-all deadlock. Ateneo’s woes continued as KES took a 15-5 rally to claim the first set.
Ateneo failed to stage a comeback in the second set that was clearly dominated by KES spikers who seized the crown.
UIC stamped JBAS, 2512, 25-16, to place third.
KES grade school volleybelles, meanwhile, breezed past JBAS, 25-8, 25-7, to capture the girl’s title in the tournament organized and sanctioned by Philippine Volleyball Federation and Davao Volleyball Association (Dava) and sponsored by the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO).
JBAS defeated UIC, 1125, 25-19, 25-15, in their battle for third.
KES grade school girls connected their attack plays to stun JBAS defenders and to secure the first set, 25-8, as JBAS struggled in a series of turnovers and miscues. KES started out strong in the second set to secure a 14-1 edge over JBAS. Kabacan ES eked the win after JBAS team’s service errors and turnovers piled up.
Ateneo, on the other hand, demolished Holy Cross College of Sasa, 2517,25-14, in their High School boys finals. GBBC ranked third after toppling UIC, 25-17,25-17.
KES coach Calubag, in a post-game interview with Sun.Star Davao, said he’s very happy and overwhelmed with the achievement of the boys and girls teams.
“The team prepared for this event with tuneup games against varsity teams of other schools for them to be ready. These kids are very inspired in fulfilling their dreams of playing in championship games and to have the chance to represent in the Palarong Pambansa,” Calubag said.
Champion teams received P2,500 cash prize while the next three placers took home P2,000, P1,500, and P1,000, respectively. The top four teams also received trophies and certificates.
Special awardees also received certificates.