The court was filled with high-intensity action as the top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) players and alumni went against the brightest Kapuso stars.
College of St. Benilde bags the All-Star MVP Award
Team Saints dominated both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions, displaying their unwavering determination and unmatched skills. Although Team Heroes fought bravely, it was the star-studded Team Saints that emerged victorious, overcoming all odds and securing the ultimate championship of the night. With an electrifying atmosphere, the Kapuso stars shone even brighter in this thrilling showdown of champions.
That was the atmosphere at the “GMA NCAA All-Star Volleyball Games,” held on April 23 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Headed by Coach Sammy Acaylar and led by Sparkle artist and former national athlete John Vic De Guzman, who was also hailed as All-Star MVP, Team Saints survived the three sets with 25-23, 25-17, 27-25, with the impressive contributions from Season 98 MVP Louie Ramirez from University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) and fellow Sparkle stars Prince Clemente and Carlos San Juan, which the latter took home the Celebrity MVP Award.
Team Saints also won with the remarkable efforts of team members Richard Nino Tolentino and Kyle Angelo Villamor from San Sebastian College Recoletos (SSC-R); Rey Taneo from UPHSD; Vince Himzon and Erickson James Ramos from Colegio San Juan De Letran (CSJL); Melver Lapurga and Jerome Lopez from San Beda University (SBU); George Gauani from DLS-CSB; and NCAA courtside reporter Miguel Venegas.
Delivering intense exchanges of spikes and tosses between the two teams, the audience was thrilled to see their favorite NCAA players and Kapuso artists giving their best efforts inside the court.
Making up the impressive lineup for Team Heroes were NCAA stars Joshua Ramilo and Juvie Mangarin from Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC); Kenneth Daynata and Larry Sioco, Jr. from José Rizal University (JRU); Siegfred Corral and Deon Xander Colorado from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU); Angelino Jose Pertierra and John Benedict San Andres from Mapua University (MU); Kim Vincent Tan and Christian Joshua Segovia from Arellano University (AU); NCAA volleyball analyst Jayvee Sumagaysay; and Sparkle stars Kristoffer Martin and Bruce Roeland.
On the other hand, under the Women’s Division, the squad mentored by Head Coach Jerry Yee came to the battlefield prepared and swept their opponent, 25-20, 25-23.
Colegio de San Juan Letran (CSJL)’s Cha Cuñada gave her school another reason to celebrate as she led her team to victory, becoming the Most Valuable Player of the game, while Mary Rhose Dapol from UPHSD once again proved why she is this Season’s MVP with her impressive performance.
Kapuso celebrities Shaira Diaz and Lyra Micolob emerged as valuable assets to Team Saints, with Diaz bagging the Celebrity MVP Award.
Equally shining on the court were Alyssa Eroa and Kristine Joy Dionisio from SSC-R; Angelique Dionela from UPHSD; Entezar Bangcola from CSJL; Zamantha Nolasco and Jannine Navarro from DLS-CSB; Aurea Francesca Racraquin and Chynna Castillo from San Beda University (SBU); and NCAA courtside reporter Chase Orozco.
Meanwhile, Team Heroes, led by Head Coach Cromwell Garcia, did not make it easy for Team Saints to clinch the win. Working hand in hand to trounce the other team were Jen Omapas and Yvone Reyes from EAC; Sydney Niegos and Shola Alvarez from JRU; Ciarnelle Wanta and Zonxi Dahab from LPU; Jonina Mae Fernandez and Alyanna Nicole Ong from MU; Regine Arocha and Trina Marice Abay from AU; NCAA volleyball analyst Kara Acevedo-Ong; and Sparkle stars Cassy Legaspi and Angela Alarcon.
The NCAA action continues with the much-awaited return of the Cheerleading Competition on April 30 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Competing teams to watch out for are the AU Chiefs Squad, Letran Cheering Squad, Benilde Blazers Pep Squad, EAC Generals Pep Squad, JRU Pep Squad, LPU Pirates Pep Squad, Mapua Cheering Pep Squad, San Beda Red Corps, Golden Stags Cheerleading Squad, and Altas Pep Squad.
