California Academy and Naga College Foundation pulled off thrilling upsets against perennial contenders National University Nazareth School and Bacolod Tay Tung, respectively, to arrange a finals duel in the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (GVIL) on Saturday at the San Andres Gym.
Both squads executed reverse sweeps over their favored rivals. California stunned NU-NS with a score of 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 27-25, while Naga claimed victory over Bacolod Tay Tung High School with a score of 11-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 in the highly anticipated Final Four clash between unbeaten teams.
California Academy and Naga will face off in the one-game championship next Saturday, competing for the title in the historic GVIL supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri, and R&B Tea, with the City of Manila as the government cooperation partner.
Casiey Dongallo (27) and Jelaica Gajero (24) combined for 51 points as the young Antipolo-based California spikers defeated the reigning UAAP girls champions.
Jenalyn Umayam contributed 10 points, while Kizzie Madriago orchestrated the show with 21 sets for California, which secured three consecutive wins against the Lady Bullpups, highlighted by an impressive comeback in the fourth set from a 21-24 deficit.
“It’s a big win for us. It was a close match, and it could have gone either way, but the girls remained calm and in control. This Shakey’s GVIL features the best of the best in the Philippines, so we’re happy that we were able to defeat the best of UAAP. We’re very proud of that,” said coach Obet Vital.
Naga, led by Arah Ellah Panique’s 27 points, also caught a big fish in Tay Tung on their way to the Last Dance of the 16-team GVIL, which is also powered by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Toby’s Sports, Genius Sports, and SM Tickets.
Panique faced strong coverage from Sheena Sarie and Nathasza Bombita, who contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively, as Naga fought back with determination after suffering a blowout loss of 11-25 in the opening salvo.
“Naka-tsamba na naman. Naunahan kami pero hindi bumigay. Hanggang sa huli, laban talaga. Napakahirap. Puhunan namin dito ‘yung tapang. Sabi ko lang sa kanila, ‘wag bibitaw’. Nung nakatabla na kami, bakit ngayon pa kayo bibitaw. Swerte na pumabor sa amin,” said Naga coach Parley Tupaz.
Bienne Louise Bansil fired 20 points while Alexia Montoro had 22 for NUNS and Tay Tung, respectively, entering their bronze medal match also on Saturday.
All games of Shakey’s GVIL, in partnership with Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc., (ACES), will be broadcasted live and on-demand through all social media platforms courtesy of Plus Network with CNN Philippines, Solar Sports and Tap Sports as TV partners.
