NAZARETH School of National University recovered strong from a second set defeat by dominating the next two as it walloped De La Salle Lipa, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, 25-12, to capture the first 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League crown at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Laguna late Sunday.
Stung by their only set loss in the entire tournament, the NSNU girls showed their true might in the next two, banging in hits virtually from all angles while foiling their rivals’ attacks with solid net defense and superb court coverage.
Faith Nisperos lived up to her billing, leading NSNU’s offense with crisp attacks while ace setter Joyme Cagande kept the team’s offense going all throughout as the Lady Bullpups completed their domination of the week-long event sponsored by Rebisco and organized by Metropolitan Sports and Events Group, Inc. headed by Freddie Infante.
On its way to the championship, NSNU swept the Pool A elims, including title contender Hope Christian High School, then ripped host Holy Rosary College, also in three, in the crossover semifinals of the event backed by Mikasa and Asics which drew 12 of the top high school squads in the NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The victory also augured well for NSNU’s title bid in the UAAP girls volleyball against fancied UST.
Nisperos also went on to bag the MVP honors with teammates Ivy Lacsina and Alyssa Solomon copping the first Best Middle Blocker and first Best Outside Attacker trophies. Other awardees were HCS’s Ethan Arce (second Best Middle Blocker), and De La Salle-Lipa’s Mary Bautista (second Best Outside Attacker), Alleiah Malaluan (Best Opposite Attacker), Janel Maraguinot (Best Setter), and Reign Lumbera (Best Libero).
Meanwhile, HRC wore down HCHS in a thrilling five-setter, carving out a 14-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-19, 20-18 decision to clinch third place honors.
Trisha Mae Genesis atoned for a couple of lackluster games with a 28-hit explosion, including a left-handed drop shot that clinched the hard-earned victory for the host squad.