Maintaining the current legacy as champions, the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers swept out Accountancy (ACC) Griffins with the score of 3-1 during the championship game, 14-25, 16-25, 25-23, 12-25, extending their championship streak to three.

It could be remembered that the winning team hailed last year as Men’s Volleyball Champions with the same opposing team. With that cause, it could be named as a “rematch” game for the Griffins and a “test of legacy” for the Tigers.

“Today, we got the championship again for the third time for five consecutive (attempts) in the finals,” Muhammad Salahim, the SEA Tigers team captain, stated

The first set marked the initial reign for Tigers as they displayed excellent execution and blocking during the first half of the set. Consequently, the hype diverted to the Griffins as the teamwork of Maturan and Palo was shown. In effect, the Tigers handled over the pressure and eventually snatched the first point on the said set.

Spicy and fierce, the second set highlighted a number of spikes from both teams. As the Maturan-Palo duo engaged teamwork for the team, De la Cruz of the Tigers then reinforced by his hard-hitting spikes, making them gain the second point for the set.

With the comeback of the Griffins, the fourth set became the final set for the game as the Tigers showed no mercy by their exquisite executions. Filled with power, Gotera displayed spikes and blocks during the first part of the set. These then aided by the versatility of Clarito-Dela Cruz-Ferrer trio as they impacted the crowd with numerous spikes and assisted blocks.

Casintahan, the Libero, also showed excellent mind presence and footwork as he was successful in defending for the team by his great receives. Liquit also displayed numerous attacks by his spikes.

With John Matthew Mendiola as their coach, the Tigers’ spirits were lifted by his motivation and support for the team.

 “Without anything na nabigay namin sa kanya, nag-effort pa rin siya sa amin na kaya namin,” the team captain asserted. He continues: “Sinabi niya (sa amin) na kalma lang, focus, and maintain lang naming ang lahat ng gagawin naming sa loob ng court.”

The SEA Tigers coach, who revealed as first-time coach for the SEA Men’s Volleball team, also expressed his thoughts about the trainings before the championship match.

“Sinasabi ko sa kanila na mag-work hard, tapos everything na  may opportunities sa court, dapat i-grab mo na iyon kasi iyan ang opportunity na binigay sa iyo para maging three-peat champion. (Sinabi ko rin sa kanila na) pursige lang, laban lang.” said the winning coach.

Meanwhile, Mel Dioso, the Accountancy Griffins team captain gave an inspiring message to his teammates and the next batch for the Volleyball Men,

“As maggraduate naman kami, we will support that they need kung ano man ang pwede naming i-help next year,” said Dioso.

The championship game for the Men’s Volleyball was considered as one of the main highlights for the Saulog 2019 and was held at 7/F Martin Hall.