The Team Dasmariñas Monarchs made history after scoring a major upset win over powerhouse Go for Gold-Air Force Aguillas to clinch the inaugural Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League men’s title last Saturday.
After losing the opening set, the Monarchs bounced back with a 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17 victory against the mighty Air Force in a championship showdown at Aquamarine Recreation Center in Lipa City, Batangas.
Photos courtesy of Dasma Rep. Pidi Barzaga and screengrabs from PNVF livestream
Mark Calado, who was hailed as the Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter, led the way for the Monarchs with 18 kills as the squad wrapped up the tournament unbeaten in five matches.
Ronniel Rosales backstopped Calado with 13 points while Madz Gampong and Arnold Bautista fired 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
Screengrabs from PNVF livestream
The Monarchs sustained their momentum and raced to a sizeable lead of 19-11 in the fourth set, paralyzing the highly favored Air Force whose most members belong to the national team.
Winning the Champions League also gave the Monarchs a ticket as the Philippine representative to the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Urmia, Iran on May 15 to 22, 2022.
Screengrabs from PNVF livestream
Other players who received individual awards were Air Force’s Alfafara (Second Best Outside Hitter), De Guzman (Best Opposite Hitter), and Ricky Marcos (Best Libero), Dasmarinas’ Silang (Best Setter) and Jayvee Sumagaysay (First Best Middle Blocker), and VNS Manileño Spikers’ Rwenzmel Taguibolos (Second Best Middle Blocker).
Meanwhile, the VNS Manileño Spikers settled for the bronze medal after sweeping Global Remit.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Cong. Pidi Barzaga’s FB page
