Triumphant IDC-Iloilo Team flashing 6 fingers
SAN JOSE ANTIQUE. The triumphant IDC-Iloilo Team flashing 6 fingers to signify their 6th consecutive WV Regional Volleyball Men Championhip. 2nd row R to L- Asst. Coach Janley Patrona, Coach Tpoy Patrona and IDC Sports coordinator Dr. Roberto Lozada. 2/7/09
IT’S 6th STRAIGHT
FEB 7. SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE. In another scintillating finish, IDC led Iloilo Team demolished all opponents to cop their 6th consecutive WV PRISAA Volleyball Men’s crown. There was some drama initially as upcoming Team Capiz stretched the defending champion to a 5 set thriller (25-16, 18-25, 25-13, 24-26, 15-10). “Overconfidence gid” said Coach Patrona as he assessed the team’s performance. It was difficult to motivate a team that has not suffered a loss in the local and regional competitions for the past three years. The near loss was a blessing in disguise as the fired up Medics Iloilo mowed down the hapless Team Aklan in 3 lopsided sets in their next game 25-14, 25-13, 25-14.
Their encounter with Team Negros, spearheaded by Univ. of St. La Salle was highly anticipated. The covered court in St. Anthony College was overflowing with fans and betting was more in favor of Negros as their players were visibly taller and impressive in their warm-up. But team IDC-Iloilo had the heart of a champion, and they hammered Negros in 4 sets, earning a twice to beat advantage (25-20, 25-19,15-25, 25-20).
In the championship match the next day, it was expected that Negros would fight back. Negros displayed extra energy in the beginning and led, until team Iloilo came back and took the first set 25-19. The second set was real tight as both teams dished out impressive plays to the delight of the Antique fans. The score was tied 24 all, when top IDC spiker Melchor Casiple made the decisive point orchestrated by setter Ian Gallofin. Another Negros error ended the game at 26-24. In the third set, Negros experimented with some creative plays. They led most of the time until Iloilo equalized at 24 all. Neither side gave an inch bringing the score to 25 all, then 26 all. The atmosphere was so tense.
Team IDC-Iloilo showed why they are the true champions. Negros tried but could not stop Iloilo’s well executed plays. The powerful spike by Melchor hit the Negros blockers bringing the ball out and ending the game at 28-26. Team Iloilo jumped with joy and glowed with pride, while the humbled Negros- La Salle team calmly accepted the result. Top spikers for Iloilo were Melchor Casiple and Remond Baldevarona who finished with 27 and 33 kills respectively.
|
