Immaculada Concepcion College and University of Batangas moved a step closer to clinching the volleyball championships in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PGFlex Season 7 after winning their respective Game 1 matches in the best-of-three finals on Tuesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Fueled by an inspired performance from Angeliz Cosme, the ICC Lady Blue Hawks dominated the Diliman Lady Blue Dragons in straight sets, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, putting themselves one victory away from a perfect season and the championship title.
Cosme was nearly unstoppable, contributing 12 points built on seven attacks and five aces.
Her stellar performance guided the Caloocan-based squad to their 11th consecutive win since the elimination round of the 10-team tournament.
Another victory on Friday will secure the Lady Blue Hawks their first UCAL volleyball crown and cement their grand sweep of the season.
(C) UCAL
Meanwhile, the UB Brahmans survived a five-set thriller against the ICC Blue Hawks, 30-28, 22-25, 26-24, 13-25, 15-13, to seize a 1-0 lead in their own title series, which is supported by sponsors including Akari, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Team Rebel Sports, and more.
The Brahmans aim to claim their maiden championship after falling short against Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas in last year’s finals.
Middle spiker Aldrin Rosales led the way for the Brahmans with 18 points, including 16 attacks and two blocks, delivering crucial plays at critical moments.
Despite a valiant 21-point effort from ICC’s Gio Devosora, the Brahmans’ defensive stops in the clutch proved decisive, leaving the Blue Hawks with no room for error in the next game.
Both teams return to the court on Friday, with the stakes higher than ever as they aim to seal their respective places in UCAL-PGFlex volleyball history.
