Team Dasma Monarchs bucked a slow start and stunned powerhouse Go for Gold-Air Force Aguilas, 19-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-17, to capture the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League for Men title Saturday night at the Aquamarine Recreational Center in Lipa City, Batangas.
The Monarchs relied on their rock-solid defense anchored on Ronniel Rosales to frustrate the Aguilas, composed mostly of national team members, in one hour and 36 minutes.
Rosales posted eight of the team’s 16 blocks to weaken Air Force’s fiery attacks and finished with 13 points along with Madzlan Gampong.
Mark Frederick Calado did not disappoint and steered Team Dasma by pouring all his 18 points on kills to be later adjudged as the Most Valuable Player.
Arnold Bautista also spelled the difference for the Monarchs’ offense by unloading 11 points, while help also came from Timothy Tajanlangit, who delivered 13 excellent sets.
John Vic De Guzman, team captain of the national team that won silver at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, erupted for 22 points for Air Force but the Aguilas couldn’t muster enough strength to outplay a determined Dasma crew.
Mark Gil Alfafara and Kim Malabunga also finished with 15 and 11 points in a futile effort for the Aguilas.
Meanwhile, Calado also bagged the Best Outside Hitter plum along with Alfafara.
Also winning individual awards were Team Dasma’s Jayvee Sumagaysay and VNS Manileño Spikers’ Rwenzmel Taguibolos (Best Middle Blockers), Team Dasma’s Kris Cian Silang (Best Setter), De Guzman (Best Opposite Spiker) and Go for Gold-Air Force’s Ricky Marcos (Best Libero).