Denied a title sweep last season, the University of Batangas ensured there would be no heartbreak this time, edging out Immaculada Concepcion College in a thrilling 29-31, 25-16, 25-20, 21-25, 17-15 victory in sudden death to retain its men’s crown in the 2025 PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Paco Arena in Manila.
The UB Brahmans teetered on the brink after allowing the ICC Blue Hawks to mount a furious attack in the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth frame.
Much like the opening set, the final set was a nail-biter, but it was UB’s power-hitter Prince Ramirez who delivered the crucial plays in the crunch moments to seal the win.
UB had swept the tournament last year in an 11-game romp but was denied a repeat of that feat by ICC this season. Still, the Brahmans closed an impressive campaign with a 10-1 record.
Ramirez, who traded fierce attacks with ICC’s Mark Nacor and Aron Devosora, finished as UB’s man of the match with 20 points, including 19 attacks and a block. He was ably supported by Adlrin Rosales, who contributed 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
For ICC, both Nacor and Devesora posted 19 points each.
UB’s triumph also prevented ICC from achieving a golden sweep, as the Lady Blue Hawks had successfully defended their title with a 25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 25-20 win over the Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas Lady Dolphins on Nov. 27.
The Brahmans had taken the opening match of their best-of-three series, 25-20, 25-18, 25-20, before ICC bounced back in Game 2 with a 25-22, 14-25, 25-27, 26-24, 15-11 victory, setting up the sudden death showdown.
Tournament Director Horacio Lim announced that the league will take a break starting this week, with competition resuming in early February with a basketball tournament.
