Fresh from their upset loss to Maryhill College Crusaders in the indoor volleyball, the MSEUF – Lucena Wildcats remained wary of the CSTC Stallion’s threat in the Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, securing the championship title, 30-26.
Despite having a twice-to-beat advantage, Jerry Naisa, Khian Charles Andres, and King Ronald Origines of Wildcats Men, made sure to overpower the valiant stand of the Stallions on their final matchup, pitching 14 attacks and 5 kill blocks.
According to Coach Melvin Hernandez, the team took their advantage only as a bonus as their complacency can lead to a repeat of what happened in their indoor tilt where Maryhill College Crusaders erased their edge and closed out the competition.
“‘Yung twice-to-beat, bonus lang ‘yun. Mas maganda na tinatapos namin ‘yung laban sa umpisa pa lang kasi kahapon lesson learned sa amin ‘yung natalo kami nang dalawang beses [sa finals],” Hernandez said.
“Ang pumapasok sa isip namin [habang naglalaro] ay ‘yung goal namin kasi kahapon ay natalo kami sa indoors. Ngayon, yung sa outdoor namin, hindi na namin pwedeng ibigay pa,” Naisa said.
In the Stallions’ gallant stand, the team made two aces and 18 overall attack points which was four points more than the Wildcats, but their 11 errors against the Wildcats’ five took the best of their team.
The Stallions also made an impressive 6-1 run in the last frame of the final game and managed to bring the game to only a 3-point lead at 29-26, but a strong attack sealed the Wildcats’ beach volleyball victory.
“Sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na compose lang kasi humahabol ‘yung kalaban dahil masyado silang gigil na matapos [‘yung game]. Basta compose lang and then relax lang lagi sa bawat puntos,” Hernandez stated.
The Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament held at Sitio Sibul, Brgy. Dalahican on March 24 was part of the annual Private Schools Athletic Association Meet, which MSEUF – Lucena hosted this year.
