A youth volleyball team from Pangasinan won its first international title after topping the Korea Volleyball Cup Danyang 2026 in South Korea, marking a milestone for the province and the Philippines.

Usad Pangasinan represented the country in the tournament held from Jan. 24 to 27, facing teams from Mongolia, Malaysia, and host South Korea.

Assistant coach Anthony John Dela Cruz said disciplined training helped prepare the team for the competition.

“We prepare like tomorrow is our competition, every weekend nagse-set kami ng training. Pag may holiday ginagrab namin yung opportunity na yun para makapag-train,” Dela Cruz said.

Despite tough opponents, the team stayed composed and pushed through until the final point. Coaches and players credited their win to teamwork, trust, and communication on and off the court.

Team captain Mateo Ferrer described the victory as the result of months of sacrifice.

“Sobrang saya po and fulfilling kasi lahat ng sacrifice and hardwork po namin is sulit lahat,” Ferrer said.

Jay-R Sinlao, a 15-year-old and the youngest member of the team from Calasiao, called the experience unforgettable, especially as it was his first time competing abroad.

“Unang beses po na lumabas ng bansa tapos nanalo pa po kaya sobrang saya po. Syempre po more international leagues to come po. Yun po,” Sinlao said.

The team said the win is not only for Pangasinan but for the entire country, as they look forward to joining more international competitions.