By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Dasmariñas Monarchs did the unthinkable and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Philippine volleyball.
Facing men’s PH volleyball superstars and the mighty Go for Gold-Air Force team, Dasmariñas went off and displayed their best efforts to reign supreme in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League (PNVFCL).
The highly-anticipated championship clash was concluded in only four sets, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17, held at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa, Batangas.
Ronnie Rosales, Mark Calado, and Madz Gampong led team Damsa with their offensive magic and combined for 44 points.
One of the biggest keys to Monarch’s victory was their tight middle-blocking led by Rosales who had eight of his own.
“Sobra kaming masaya na nagchampion kami tapos against mostly national team players and coaches,” said Monarchs head coach Norman Miguel.
The Air Force team was tagged as the heavy favorites to win the title composed mostly of members of the PH national team.
Familiar names like John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, Kim Malabunga, and Ricky Marcos spearheaded Air Force’s playoff campaign but crumbled in their very last game.
“Proud kami na naging successful kami sa tournament na ito at yun naman talaga ang goal namin. Masaya, still, with all humility, we still congratulate Go For Gold,” coach Miguel added.
Dasmariñas’ victory in the PNVFCL will give them the outright seat as the PH representatives in the upcoming 2022 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship.
