LIPA CITY, BATANGAS — Go for Gold-Air Force was the clear-cut favorite to win it all in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League.
Bannered by eight Philippine national men’s volleyball team members, the Aguilas were without a doubt the best team on paper in the first-ever national league.
That, until Team Dasma came in and spoiled the fun for the National team mainstays.
Facing the less-heralded Monarchs in the best-of-one Champions League finale, Go for Gold-Air Force folded via a four-set 25-19, 24-26, 18-25, 17-25, loss on Saturday night at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here.
And for Aguilas head coach Dante Alinsunurin, everything boiled down to who wanted it more.
“Sinasabi ko nga nung umpisa pa lang yung preparation talaga sobrang short,” said Alinsunurin, who is also the coach of the Philippine men’s national volleyball team.
“Suwerte lang talaga yung nangyari na medyo maganda yung nilaro namin nung mga first games hanggang sa semifinals although siyempre sabi ko nga, kung sino talaga yung ready at gusto manalo yun talaga yung lumabas e,” he added.
Of course, Air Force needed time to mesh as it lost Bryan Bagunas, Ranran Abdilla, Madz Gampong, and Howard Mojica during the off-season.
Though they added John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, Lloyd Josafat, Kim Dayandante, and Berhashidin Daymil, Air Force had limited time to prepare due to the ongoing pandemic and their Air Force duties.
Still, the National University head tactician praised Team Dasma’s exceptional showing throughout the entire six-day tourney.
“Congratulations sa nanalo, deserving naman sila sa ginawa nila sa laro kanina and yun lang, hopefully may natutunan kami para sa susunod na liga,” said Alinsunurin.
Despite the loss, Alinsunurin is just glad that men’s volleyball is finally back after almost two years of inactivity.
“Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa sitwasyon kasi nasimulan natin e, ibig sabihin next year tuloy tuloy na ‘to,” said Alinsunurin.
“Sana mas dumami pa yung liga para sa men’s talaga para yung level natin mas umangat nang umangat pa.”
