Report by Joaquin Umali | Photos by Leean Margarette Magat
Gryffindor Lady Spikers etched their house in gold after besting a comeback against the Ambitious House of Slytherin, ending the championship match of Women’s Volleyball, 13 – 25, 28 – 26, 15 – 11, during the second day of PalaCASSan ’24, at San Rafael Covered Court, November 25.
Despite winning the first match of the championship, Slytherin fell short coming in silver, while Ravenclaw secured bronze after entering the podium with a sweep.
Gryffindor’s Team Captain Leizel Capua recalled the team’s experience as one of their core preparations for the game.
“For me, ang naging advantage naming is unity. Kasi po, magkakaiba kami ng college so hindi masiyadong magkakakilala, pero habang naglalaro ay nab-build naming ‘yung unity,” said Capua in an interview.
Came first match for the championship, Slytherin with a streak dominated the early game by a large margin.
Refusing to hold back, an 8-point gap rally highlighted the first set were both teams exchanged spikes as Gryffindor failed to defend the floor, giving Slytherin an advantage, 19 – 10.
After a series of rally, Gryffindor picked up pace, demanding a late-game comeback, as Slytherin’s Mercado ended the rally with a sneaky drop, holding for Slytherin’s 23 against Gryffindor’s 24, 1-0.
A thrilling moment for Gryffindor after snatching the second set, 28 – 26, leveling the score to 1 – 1.
The anticipated third set was a battle between power and endurance, during another rally in the final set, Slytherin finishes the 13 – 9 mark, in favor of Gryffindor, determined to snatch the set.
Gryffindor’s Sarceda crashing with determination forced their way to close Slytherin’s championship journey, succeeding with a 15 – 11 score, in favor to Gryffindor.
Meanwhile, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff’s battle for third finished with a clean sweep for Ravenclaw refused to gave the badgers a chance for the bronze.
Despite an early finish, both houses faced service errors and net faults.
Moreover, Gryffindor’s Sarceda topped the scores for the final match, acing a 13-point contribution for the team, followed by the slithering duo Jasmine Manalili and Jhersy Mercado with 10 and 9 points respectively.
“Masaya dahil unexpected siya. Hindi na talaga kami nag-e-expect na manalo, ang goal talaga naming ay mag-enjoy sa Sportsfest,” Sarceda shared.
Sarceda also attributed the team’s effort and communication in claiming the championship title.
“First time naming magkitakita ng team namin, lalo na wala kaming training kaya masaya ako para sa team. Naging advantage namin ‘yung communication sa court tsaka kung paano naming enjoyin ‘yung nangyayari sa court.” Sarceda added.
Furthermore, Slytherin’s Team Captain Manalili with a smile, commends her team as she recounted their experience and championship journey.
“Siyempre bilog ang bola, hindi naman natin masisisi. Siguro nagkaproblema lang sa aming part lalo na naging kampante kami na makuha ‘yong set na iyon kaya hindi naming expect na ganun ang mangyayari… Lahat naman, pati mga teams ko ay pinakita ang lahat lalo na kung ano ‘yung makakaya nila.” Manalili said.
Wrapping the game, here are the scores of each team:
QUALIFYING ROUND
Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw
25 – 14, 22 – 25, 15 – 9
Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff
25 – 13, 25 – 23
BATTLE FOR THIRD
Ravenclaw vs. Hufflepuff
25 – 22, 25 – 15
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
Gryffindor vs. Slytherin
13 – 25, 28 – 26, 15 – 11
The volleyball match was originally scheduled for the second and third day of PalaCASSan 2024, but was compromised to a one-day finish after all teams agreed to lessen the players’ hassle.
Gryffindor’s victory marks a historic comeback and a memorable championship win in the 2024 PalaCASSan Volleyball tournament.
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