National University Nazareth School is under fire for the post-game celebration of its boys’ volleyball team on Monday, which quickly went viral on social media.
The controversy followed NUNS’ 25–22, 25–19, 23–25, 26–24 victory over UST, which secured the Bullpups a spot in the finals. After UST’s Zach Maude committed an attack error, the Bullpups celebrated by taunting the Junior Golden Spikers with crying gestures while their opponents were visibly in tears.
The celebration drew criticism not only from fans but also from former players.
“Na para bang di nakaranas ng pagkatalo,” said UST legend Aiza-Maizo Pontillas.
“Tapang ng mukha ng number 12, kainis!” added two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez, also of UST.
Even NU legend Peter Torres weighed in, commenting, “Trashtalk and taunting during the game is understandable… but this… this is not okay. Sorry UST.”
The rivalry between NUNS and UST has been intense over the past two seasons. The Junior Golden Spikers dethroned the Bullpups in UAAP Season 87, preventing a school sweep.
NUNS also lost Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Final Four, 21–25, 25–22, 23–25, 25–19, 15–9, forcing a decider.
Emotions ultimately got the better of the Bullpups, who issued apologies on Monday evening.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Gusto ko lang pong humingi ng paumanhin sa magawa ko pong action kanina sa semis game against UST. I will take accountability po and hindi po tinotolerate ng kahit sino man ang mga ganung actions, pasensya na po,” said Kiel Biscocho, who scored 17 points in the decider.
“Wala po akong gustong paratingin, nadala lang po ako ng emotion ko po and nang pagkakataon po. Paumanhin din po sa NU community and sa team ko na nadadawit sa mga action ko.”
“I would like to apologize for my actions during the game, as I was carried away by the intensity of the moment. I understand that my behavior was not appropriate and may have affected others. I assure you that I will handle my emotions better moving forward and uphold the values of sportsmanship,” added Ronnie Millan, who contributed five points.
“My sincere apologies for my actions kanina sa game against UST. It wasn’t my intention to mock anyone, nadala lang po ako ng drive to win and sa moment po. I didn’t mean anything po, and kung ano man nagawa ko po, I want to say sorry po. My actions were not tolerated by anyone,” expressed backup Joem Favila.
NUNS, for its part, also issued an apology to the community.
“NU Nazareth School sincerely apologizes for the behavior shown by some of our high school volleyball players after the recent UAAP match against UST. This conduct is unacceptable and contradicts the values of respect, humility, and love that NU Nazareth School teaches us to live by every day,” read the statement.
The school confirmed that it has sanctioned the players and met with the coaches.
“We have met with the players and coaches involved, imposed appropriate sanctions, and are reinforcing our formation programs to ensure this never happens again. We thank the UAAP community for holding us accountable to the standards we expect of ourselves. Your support remains deeply appreciated,” the statement added.
The best-of-three finals between NUNS and the University of the East will begin on Thursday.
