MANILA, Philippines - Emilio Aguinaldo College redeemed itself from an ugly brawl in basketball by copping its first ever seniors title in the 90th NCAA men’s volleyball tournament a few days back.
Denied of the crown in the last three seasons when they made the finals only to get beaten by eventual champion Perpetual Help, the Generals finally downed the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, to complete a 2-1 series win.
It was EAC’s first title in seniors volleyball and first in all sports since it joined the league six seasons ago.
The victory somehow restored the faith of EAC fans, after the team figured in a melee that resulted to suspension of most of players and forfeiture of a game.
“We made mistakes but life is a continuing learning process and we move on,” said EAC’s Management Committee representative Marlon Carlos.
“Our win in volleyball underscores the school’s desire to excel by working and preparing hard. After a long wait, it finally paid off,” he added.
And EAC had a lot to thank Howard Mojica for.
The power-hitting Mojica almost single-handedly carried the Generals through as he averaged 29 hits in the series that went the distance.
The reigning season and finals MVP unleashed a series-high 33 hits in a thrilling 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-13 Game Two win that levelled the count at one apiece before unloading 28, all on kills, the title-clinching win in the decider.
His lowest was a 26 in a stinging 25-27, 20-25, 25-23, 25-26 defeat to St. Benilde in Game One.
“He’s the heart and soul of this team, he just carried us through the whole season,” said EAC coach Rod Palmero.