BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
ILOILO City – La Paz National High School – Iloilo City Sports Academy emerged victorious in the JB Amateur Volleyball Association School Wars held over the weekend at the University of San Agustin Gym here.
The Jiggy Gallo-mentored squad took home the women’s division championship after defeating the home team University of San Agustin, 25-18, 25-23, 24-26, 25-20, in the finals.
Cathleen Jaena was hailed as the Player of the Game in the gold medal match after finishing with 15 points, on 13 attacks and two service aces. She was later named as Most Valuable Player.
Cherry Bagnate took home two individual awards namely Best Spiker and Best Middle Blocker award, Jiuliane Castañeda was named as Best Setter, Pernell Ann Galvez as Best Server and Laila Jean Bacalso as Best Outside Spiker.
Also part of the squad were Arzela Borda, Ericka Veloria, Rhea Tomas, Trisha Pulmones, Maryden Majaba, Genelle Audrey Panes, Pauleen Yonson, Princess Longno, Kristel Silva and Marielle Dequilla.
Prior to their championship game against SanAg, La Paz National High School-Iloilo City Sports Academy first defeated Iloilo Doctors College Women’s Volleyball Team in the semifinals.
According to Gallo, the one-day tournament was a huge help for his squad as they will compete in the Rebisco 18&Under Volleyball League Regional Finals in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental from September 7 and 8.
“This one-day league championship is a good test for our players. We are trying to strengthen the bond and chemistry among our players,” Gallo told Panay News on Tuesday.
“This tournament also tests our readiness as we prepare for the Rebisco Regional Finals on Wednesday,” he added. “Most of our players here were also the ones competing in San Carlos City.”
University of San Agustin, meanwhile, bagged the men’s division championship after a 25-18, 27-25, 27-25 sweep of Iloilo Doctors College. James Galusong was named as MVP with seven points, on four attacks and three aces, to go with 17 excellent sets.
