Team Dasma crowned PNVF champion

LIPA CITY, Philippines — Team Dasma shocked Go For Gold-Air Force, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17, and snatched the inaugural Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League men’s title yesterday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center Gym here.

Mark Frederick Calado hammered 18 markers on 18 kills while Madzlan Gampong and Ronniel Rosales added 13 apiece in the Monarchs’ huge upset of the Aguilas led by a bevy of national team players.

Calado was crowned as the first Champions League MVP plus a citation as the Best Outside Hitter.

Dasma, under the tutelage of seasoned mentor Norman Miguel, completed an unbeaten campaign in the seven-strong field after a sweep of pool play and the thrilling escape act in the semifinals against VNS Manileño.

Aside from the first-ever Champions League crown, the Monarchs also clinched a ticket to the Asian Club Championships next year along with women’s tournament champion F2 Logistics.

National team captain John Vic de Guzman put up a fight with 22 markers for the Aguilas who fell short of expectations as the team to beat.

Also going down the drain were the efforts of fellow Philippine team members Mark Alfafara (15) and Kim Malabunga (11) for Go For Gold under the watch of national coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Meanwhile, John Benedict San Andres fired 15 markers as the VNS Manileño Spikers secured the bronze medal with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 victory over Global Remit.

MRT-Negros, Sabong International Spikers and the Basilan Steel Spikers finished at fifth to seventh place, respectively.

Other awardees were De Guzman (Best Opposite Hitter), Alfafara (Second Best Outside Hitter), Jayvee Sumagaysay (First Middle Blocker), Rwenzmel Taguibolos (Second Best MB), Kris Cian Silang (Best Setter) and Ricky Marcos (Best Libero).