CALIFORNIA Precision Sports-Antipolo City carved out 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 win over University of the East-Manila to secure the women’s gold of the Philippine Volleyball Federation Champions League Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
Casiey Dongallo, who was still in Cebu when the CAL Babies won their pool opener against the Lady Warriors, was able to make it up by producing 20 kills in the clincher.
“I’m very happy because everyone in the team worked hard,” said Dongallo, who scattered nine points in the third set. “Even though I missed the opening match against UE, I felt I was able to bounce back and everyone had the eagerness to win. And here, we won the championship.”
Jelai Gajero had 14 points, including two blocks, while Lhouriz Tuddao also recorded two blocks for a eight-point outing for CPS Antipolo City.
Fifth placers in the Lipa City bubble last year, the CAL Babies were able to complete a 5-0 sweep of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal HD, One Sports, Cignal Play, F2 Logistics and Amigo Entertainment
“The girls played well all throughout,” said CPS Antipolo City coach Obet Vital, who is also a doctor. “They needed to be done, which is the fundamentals, the mental, the attitude and then the physical. They did well. They hung in there.”
“All of the teams they played were much experienced and much older. They just kept fighting and fighting. I’m very proud that they did well and pull it through in the finals. They were determined to do well,” he added.
Ja Lana paced the Lady Warriors with 14 points while Dara Nieva chipped in eight points.
Earlier, KMS-Quezon secured the bronze medal with a 25-21, 24-26, 21-25, 25-19, 15-9 win over Imus City.
Abil, whose previous club stint was with BaliPure in last year’s Premier Volleyball League in the Ilocos Norte bubble, was a bundle of joy for the Quezon.
“In the dugout, it’s already fun. Inside the court, she rubs her energy to the team. Very light, nothing heavy,” said coach Onyok Getigan of Abil.
Making the most out of her stint for the Lady Vikings, Abil has something to prove with her performance in the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal HD, One Sports, Cignal Play, F2 Logistics and Amigo Entertainment
“This year, this is the only team that I only played. Then, I want to showcase my talent that I have. I want to enjoy also in the tournament,” said Abil, the former UE star who had a match-best four blocks.
Jorelle Singh had 21 points, including two service aces, Julie Catindig had 18 points while Alex Rafael three blocks for a 12-point outing for the AJAA Lady Spikers.
Meanwhile, Ridzuan Muhali and Hero Angeles teamed up for 26 points as Imus City took the bronze in the men’s division following a 25-16, 25-22, 34-32 conquest of PGJC-Navy.
Cignal and North Cotabato were battling for the gold as of press time.