By: Reichen G. Tabelin and Rodelyn Mae J. Idos
Picture by: Angelica Venice, Rae Cza Gonatice, Gio Aaron De Guzman and Carol Sansano
The Urdaneta City Private Schools Athletic Meet (UCPSAM) took place at Divine Word College of Urdaneta, Inc. (DWCU) from October 10 to 12, 2024. The International Colleges for Excellence, Inc. (ICE) Warriors held a tight grip on their shields and swords as the three-day meet provided an opportunity for 12 schools to compete in boys’ volleyball and 13 schools to compete in girls’ volleyball.
In the Girls’ Volleyball Category, the ICE Warriors eliminated Divine Grace Montessori and High School of Urdaneta, Inc. with scores of 25-15 in the first set and 25-13 in the second set. This victory advanced them to a playoff against Maranatha Christian Academy, where their courage ignited a fierce determination to win. They dominated the first set with a score of 25-13, and their desire to win remained strong in the second set, earning them a score of 25-17. This victory secured their spot in the championship match.
Their resilience persisted in the Championship Game, where the ICE Warriors fought to win against the Divine Word College of Urdaneta (DWCU) team. The ICE volleyball players started strong in the first set, earning a score of 25-11. In the second set, they maintained their momentum with an impressive performance, finishing 25-17 after a closely contested start, proving their strength by winning both sets.
However, in the third set, they faced difficulties and lost their momentum, allowing the opponent team to gain an unexpected point with a score of 25-23. In the end, the ICE Warriors gathered their strength and poured their best efforts into the game. They used their loss in the third set as motivation to play harder, refusing to give up, and ultimately triumphed over the DWCU team, clinching the gold medal and securing a spot in the Central Schools Division Athletic Meet (CSDAM).
The setting skills demonstrated by open player Sofia Publico, who is also the team’s captain, were instrumental in earning points. She was joined by open players; Hershey Extinado, Rich Anne Bautista, Rhizza Mae Banlog, Ghlemel Reish Valdez, Kyzyl Rhexie Baniqued, and Emerald Mae Fabro. The team’s middle blockers, Maria Isea Aviles, Krystel Anne Solis, and Diana Rose Cruz, proved their ability to block the ball despite any challenges they faced.
Stephanie Talape and Neah Yesha Murillo, the team’s setters, wasted no time setting the ball, while Marjorie Tomines, the libero, did her best to dive for the ball and keep the play going. The team left a lasting impression with their well-rounded lineup and excellent communication on the court.
The ICE boys’ volleyball team dominated ABE International College of Business and Accountancy in the elimination round, winning the first set 25-13 and the second set 25-15. They then proceeded to eliminate St. Andrew Montessori and High School, outplaying them in the first set with a score of 25-18. The opponent came back empowered, and the game continued as a close contest in the first part of the second set, but the ICE players gained strength and managed to power past them.
In the semifinals, ICE faced Our Lady of Lilies Academy. The first set started with a close fight, as both teams took turns scoring, but the set ultimately favored ICE, ending with a score of 25-23. The game concluded in the second set, with ICE overpowering OLLA 25-9.
The championship battle between DWCU and the ICE Warriors occurred right after the semifinals, leaving the team with little to no rest, which became one of their disadvantages. The team faced tough competition, with the first set ending in favor of DWCU at 25-19. The ICE Warriors showed persistence in chasing the opponent’s score, resulting in a close second set with multiple ties. The match became even more thrilling when both teams reached 24 points, leading to extended play until one team gained a two-point lead.
As the game continued with several ties, DWCU ultimately triumphed, winning the second set 31-29. Coach Jhonel Malunao accepted the defeat gracefully, advising his team to enjoy the game, as he was incredibly proud of them for reaching the finals despite having only three days of training. DWCU claimed victory, winning the third set 25-12. The ICE Warriors brought home the silver medal and the pride of representing their school.
St. Jhun Maling, the boys’ team captain, along with Rayver Ermita as spiker, exhibited their powerful attacks, while Edrian Jay Mercado, John Michael Tadena, and Gabriel Floyd Alinday showcased their strength as middle blockers. The team’s libero, Jayvil Daus, along with Haven Alexis Sigua and Hilario Anthony Velina, demonstrated their precise digs. Kurt Euro Calacsaan and Dancelle Moir Amansec supported Ermita and Maling in their successful attacks as setters. Rouvic Alexander Corpuz, serving as opposite spiker, contributed with his blocking skills, while Vaughn Eirian Mejia played as the outside spiker. The powerful teamwork they displayed during the playoffs stood out, enabling them to remain strong and resilient until the end of the athletic meet.
Team coaches Angelyn Isidro and Jhonel Malunao’s dedication to guiding and motivating both teams played a significant role in their success in obtaining silver and gold medals. The entire team’s sportsmanship and excellence have been a great source of inspiration. The journey of the ICE Volleyball Warriors doesn’t end here, as more and bigger competitions lie ahead. Opportunities never cease, and they will continue to soar and roar.