NATIONAL University ended University of the East’s 11-year reign in the boys division with a come-from-behind 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 25-18, 15-6 victory yesterday in the UAAP Season 78 high school volleyball tournament at the jampacked Adamson University gym.
In the Finals series that went the full route, the Bullpups displayed tremendous poise under pressure as they stormed back from a 1-2 set deficit behind Noel Kampton, Raymark Reyes and Allen Bacolor, who nailed the championship-clinching service ace.
NU held the twice-to-beat advantage in the title round after sweeping the double-round eliminations, but lost twice to a gritty UE side, including last Wednesday’s 21-25, 25-19, 28-30, 25-21, 16-18 loss in Game 3 to forge a decider.
The victory completed a high school volleyball double for the Bullpups, who earlier won a second straight girls volleyball crown.
NU coach Ed Barroga was more than happy to get his team on top of the world.
“Iba ang champion ng 11 years, mahirap talagang i-beat. Kaya nagkaroon kami ng chance na makakuha ng konting sitwasyon na makalamang kami at nakuha naman ng mga bata,” said Barroga.
The Bullpups, who placed third last season, reached the pinnacle despite having a rookie-laden line-up, with only three players led by Finals MVP Reyes are in their sophomore year.
NU’s Kampton and Billie Jean Anima were named the Rookie of the Year and Best Blocker, respectively.
The Bulldogs’ victory could be the start of a new order in boys volleyball which is used to be the Junior Warriors’ domain for more than a decade.
“Ngayon, iingatan namin yan. Paghahandaan namin yan,” said Barroga.
UE’s Shaun Ledesma bagged the Season MVP and Best Scorer awards, while his teammates Ralph Imperial and Marc Caballero took home the Best Setter and Best Receiver honors, respectively.
University of Santo Tomas’ Eduardo Manuel went home with the Best Receiver plum.
