It was a thriller.
After being down by two sets and forcing a fifth set, the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Chevrons fell short against the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) Bravehearts, 25-13, 25-21, 20-25, 24-26, 15-13, in their championship duel in the Men’s Volleyball of the United Calabarzon College League (UCCL) at FAITH Indoor Sports Arena and Activity Center (ISAAC) yesterday, Oct. 15.
The Bravehearts showed dominance in both offensive and defensive ends in the first two sets, winning by a huge margin, 25-13 and 25-21 respectively.
With a sense of resurgence, Joshua Orario scored 15 attacks partnered by Nico Aquino’s 12 led the Lipa based squad to ensemble a deciding set after winning the third and fourth, 20-25 and 24-26.
Both teams were on the rocks at the start of decision match of the game. However, the Bravehearts demolished the Chevrons by earning consecutive points from unforced errors and attacks, 3-1.
The Tanauan based squad proved more dominance as their attackers, Gabriel Paz and Karl Oruga continued to shower attacks while converting their net defense into points 9-5.
Despite the fatigue and a four point deficit, DLSL showed that they can still pull a comeback with attacks from Edel Austria which put them on a deadlock at 10.
However, FAITH saw a weakness in the Lipa based squad’s defense as they scored a service aces which pulled them closer to the trophy at 12-10.
The Chevrons pursued as attacks from Aquino and Austria earned the team two consecutive points but after losing possession with a failed reception, the Bravehearts sealed the game, 15-13.
The Bravehearts’ Coach Ariel Alcantara said that it was not easy to win against the Chevrons because of their experience and win in the NCAA. “Yung experience nila, talagang andiyan na. So parang… challenger talaga kami… kasi nga alam namin na beterano na ‘yung kalaban. So ‘yun lang talagang nakuha lang namin sa sipag at tiyaga at pagtutulungan.”
