By Jean Malanum

SPIKE. One Silay’s Vin Mark Canoy (10) scores against Umingan’s Rhailey Sampang (21) and Michael Angelo Fernandez (12) during the battle for the bronze match on Sunday (Feb. 2, 2025) in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 Championship National men’s division at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. One Silay won, 22-25, 32-30, 25-20, 25-19. (PNVF photo)

MANILA – The University of the East turned back Zamboanga City, 22-25, 25-27, 25-20, 25-29, Sunday night to capture the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 Championship National men’s division title at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Red Warrior Isaiah John Roca produced a brilliant performance to earn the Most Valuable Player award.

UE prevailed over One Silay, 27-25, 26-24, 25-20, while Zamboanga City prevailed over Umingan Volleyball Club, 23-25, 25-23, 32-30, 17-25, 15-10, in the semifinal round.

“We don’t play that fast. I had to tell them to slow things down, think about the game plan and how we really play,” UE coach Jerome Guhit said.

“I’m glad we were able to pull it off, the level of talent in this tournament is high and it’s a huge help in the development of our players,” he added.

Meanwhile, One Silay Sports defeated Umingan Volleyball Club, 22-25, 32-30, 25-20, 25-19, to claim the bronze medal. “It was disappointing to drop the first set, but I had no doubt they would raise their game after the difficult start,” said Silay One coach Ronald Premaylon after the one-hour and 48-minute match.

“We’ve been having some problems getting to fighting form at the start of matches here, we’re not used to cold playing conditions. I’m very happy with our performance this week because we were able to execute our plans,” he added.

Ike Andrew Barelia led One Silay with 30 points, 29 on attacks and an ace, followed by Vin Mark Canoy with 17 points.

Michael Angelo Fernandez had 18 points, while Milson Janrey Galzote chipped in 17 points for Umingan VC, which took a 4-1 lead in the fourth before One Silay rallied to wrest the upper hand at 7-5. (PNA)