UM, SSC-Cavite bag men's, women's volleyball titles at NAASCU

MANILA, Philippines - The University of Manila and the San Sebastian College-Cavite shared the honors by winning the seventh National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) men's and women's volleyball titles at the Centro Escolar University gym. UM defeated St. Clare College-Caloocan (25-16, 25-22, 25-21) and captured the men's title with a rare five-game sweep in its first full season of participation, according to a statement issued by NAASCU on Wednesday. The UM Hawks swept St. Clare, New Era University, and SSC-Cavite in the elimination round, followed by Holy Angel University in the semifinal round. The Hawks are led by Christian Quintana, Bernard Fernandez, and Jerald Demetillo and handled by coach Rizalito Delmoro. St. Clare Saints settled for runner-up honors, an improvement over their third place finish last year. In third place this time is Holy Angel University, which trounced Centro Escolar University (25-18, 26-24, 25-19). Federico Pingol and Lionel Ronquillo carried the fight for Geoff Ronquillo-mentored Holy Angel side. Quintana was later voted as MVP, while Delmoro was chosen Best Coach. Named to the Mythical Six were Bernard Fernandez and Jerald Demetillo of UM, Clody Vinarao and Jhomar Añonuevo of St. Clare, and Jonjon Reyes of CEU. Named Best Libero was Bonzon Salvador of UM. In the women's division, SSC-Cavite survived Holy Angel University (25-21, 25-21, 15-25, 25-18) to clinch the title. Micah Mariano, who was voted as MVP, teamed up with Melody Marcelino and Kristelle Magsino to power the Cavite-based Lady Baycats of coach Reynel Francisco to victory over the Lady Flyers. Francisco was also voted as Best Coach. The members of the Mythical Six were Lourdes Narciso, Mary Jane Tabil, and Rystle Perez of Holy Angel; and Kristelle Magsino, Micah Mariano, Melody Marcelino of SSC-Cavite. Ma. Ruby Policarpio of Holy Angel was named Best Libero. Holy Angel finished second, while AMA Computer University wound up at third. Actually, SSC-Cavite also finished unbeaten in the tournament, posting four wins in the elims (against STI, New Era University, Univesity of Makati, and CEU) and one win in the semis (against AMA Computer University). NAASCU president Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem of St. Clare College awarded the trophies to the champions. - GMANews.TV