FOR A TEAM that has not won a Southeast Asian Games medal of any color in a decade, a silver medal finish in the 30th edition of the biennial events surely glitters like a gold medal.
The Philippine Men’s National Water Polo Team ended its 10-year thirst for a SEA Games medal after capturing a silver medal with its 14-11 victory over Malaysia at the NCC Aquatics Center in Capaz, Tarlac.
The Philippines water polo squad, which last finished in the podium back in the 2011 edition of the meet, finished with silver after a two-win and two-draw record.
However, the Philippine team’s silver medal clinching victory was not a walk in a park. It saw its commanding 11-6 advantage early in the final frame trimmed to 12-10, with 4:02 left.
A huge goal by Matthew Yu, however, with 2:53 remaining in the match stopped the bleeding while a close out goal by Aljon Salonga sealed the deal for the Filipinos.
“All the hard work of this team, and the players the last eight, nine years, all of it were finally rewarded with this accomplishment. The sacrifices were all worth it,” said head coach Rey Galang.
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Bacolodnon sportsman Jose Montalbo has been hailed by SCOOP Bacolod with its Sports Patron Award for volleyball for his contributions in the development of the sport in the city.
Montalbo was the team manager of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School secondary girls volleyball team which represented the Western Visayas several times in various competitions, including Palarong Pambansa.
SCOOP Bacolod secretary general Jerome Galunan said Montalbo’s citation was for his “love and passion in the game of Volleyball that has given the youth the opportunity to excel making it a sport tourism value for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.”
Montalbo admitted that he was surprised with the citation but was thankful as it inspires him further to give opportunity to potential volleyball athletes in Negros Occidental.
“I am glad that SCOOP Bacolod was able to recognize what I am doing in sports for Negros Occidental,” Montalbo said. “This citation inspires me to help talented youth to develop their talents as well as promoting not just the volleyball but also other sports here in Negros Occidental.”
Aside from Montalbo, SCOOP Bacolod have also cited as Legendary Sportsman award Roger Banzuela in volleyball, Antonio Oquindo Jr. and Adolf Ledesma in softball, Juan Ramon Guanzon and Vic Tan in boxing and Oscar Bascon in basketball./PN
