The St. John’s Institute elementary girls and high school boys and girls’ teams dominated their respective rivals in the championship round to collect three titles this year in the NOPSSCEA competition at the University of St. La Salle Covered Court in Bacolod City.

After several heartbreaking losses to USLS in the past, coach Peter Yusay and his SJI high school girls team finally nailed the championship in straight sets, 25-12, 25-13.

It was the all-around play of the towering Kim Gequillana who made the big difference and gave SJI a big advantage over us, defending champion USLS head coach Malot Lozada said.

“Kim (Gequillana) was simply all over the place, blocking and attacking. With our rookie-laden team, we’re just happy to be in the finals this year,” Lozada added.

Forming SJI’s formidable trio along with Gequillana are Rosel Sy and Bianca Lizares, whose commanding presence effectively turned back USLS.

Completing the cast of the champion team were Martha Araneta, Jewel Maligmat, Therese Maravilla, Hannah Infante, and Catherine Pollentes.

Despite the loss, Lozada complimented her players for giving their best against the more experienced and seasoned spikers of SJI, lauding Ma. Arielle Estrañero for her efforts in keeping the fight going for the La Salle girls.

She also cited the players and coaching staff of the USLS elementary boys’ volleyball team for winning the championship match against Sta. Teresita’s Academy.

As the champion SJI team prepares for the Provincial Meet set to start on December 16, Lozada said she is expecting coach Yusay to tap Estrañero to join the lineup that will represent the NOPSSCEA team in the competition.

Prior to their loss last Saturday, the USLS girls’ had been a constant feature in the Negros Occidental team that competes in the Regional Meet and the Palarong Pambansa.

Also advancing to the Provincial Meet for the fourth time is the SJI elementary girls’ volleyball team that defeated St. Teresita Academy in the finals, Saturday, 25-3, 25-14.

Bannered by Palaro veterans Angel Sy and Shasha Escares, the young spikers from St. John proved to be too much for their rivals from Silay as they dominated the championship match.

Helping the team in its successful title defense bid were Nicole Jison, Kim Conde, Angeline Baloyo, Zoe Cuenca, Kaye Balao, Celine Infante, Rheana Ramos, Marixi Maligmat, Andrea Parrocho, and Renalyn Hachero.

Meanwhile, the Adrian Olaran-led SJI high school boys’ volleyball team got away with a thrilling three-setter against St. Joseph High School-La Salle, 27-25, 28-30 and 25-11, to advance to the Provincial Meet.

With Olaran in the team are Jet Yusay, JM Paltriguera, Clint Tanaleon, Chad Bagatela, Renan Hachero, Zacharie Fuentes, and Cesar Solinap.

Yusay mentors all three champion teams with assistant coaches Michael Baloyo and Albert Diwatin.*NAB

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