CHAMPION TEAM. Members of the National University Nazareth School win the UAAP Season 86 high school boys’ volleyball title after beating University of the East, 20-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-21, in Game 3 of the Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Monday (Feb. 12, 2024). Jeffe Gallego Jr. was named Finals MVP. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – National University Nazareth School (NUNS) captured the UAAP Season 86 high school boys’ volleyball crown after beating University of the East, 20-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-21, in Game 3 of the Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Monday.
"Isa ito sa sweetest kasi sa pinagdaan rin namin. Nung natalo kami nung Game 2, bumagsak kami nun. Kaya ginawa talaga namin lahat para matanggal 'yung kumbaga malas (It's one of the sweetest things we've ever been through. When we lost in Game 2, we collapsed. So, we really did everything to get rid of the bad luck)," Bullpups head coach Edgar Barroga said.
NUNS won Game 1 (39-37, 26-24, 22-25, 25-22) but UE bounced back Game 2 (18-25, 17-25, 27-25, 26-24, 15-11).
"Lahat ng suggestion rin nila, sinubukan ko. Tinanggal ko rin 'yung maging emotional sa game kasi may chance na ma-upset uli kami (All suggestions of my coaching staff and players, I tried. I also removed being emotional in the game because there is a chance that we will be upset again," Barroga added.
The Bullpups sustained their momentum in the fourth set, banking on Season Best Middle Blocker Miguel Egger, Matthew Abut and Kart Lascuña to seal the victory.
Dave Lardizabal came to the rescue when the Bullpups were trailing, 23-24, in the third set by scoring three points.
"Thankful ako sa tiwala ni coach Edgar kasi siya talaga sa team 'yung hindi bumitaw. Kaya sabi ko sa teammates ko, 'Mga p're, 'yung coach natin hindi bumibitaw, tayo din dapat.' Kaya ayan ang resulta (I am thankful for coach Edgar's trust because he is the one who never let go of the team. So I said to my teammates, 'Guys, our coach doesn't give up, we should too.' So that's the result.)," said Finals MVP Jeffe Gallego Jr., one of eight players graduating this year. (PNA)
