JCA MVT regalvanizes after dropping first set, topples Eclaro for comeback win in ISAAL

| Yana Domingo

Photos edited by Elijah Jardinez

The JCA Men’s Volleyball Team (MVT) proved that teamwork and determination are the true keys to victory as they secured a 23-25, 26-24, 25-21 comeback win against Eclaro Academy in the Inter-School Academic and Athletic League (ISAAL) on November 8.

The match opened with a tightly contested first set, where both teams exchanged points back-and-forth battle courtesy of JCA’s solid defense and teamwork. However, it broke down in the closing rally, allowing for an Eclaro service ace to steal the first set.

In the second set, JCA flipped the script and mounted a comeback after trailing 20–24, sparked by a crucial block by Joseph Yasuhara, followed by two more blocks from Sam Acuña, bringing the score to 23–24.

The men in white rode the momentum as Matteo Castañeda delivered an attack that tied the game at 24, where the team’s relentless defense and coordinated plays eventually broke Eclaro’s spirit, leveling the match.

They knew they couldn’t relax even after equalizing the match, so they gave their 100% until the very end.

“Nung laban na namin sa Eclaro at natalo kami sa first set, talagang pinush kami ni coach na lumaban hanggang dulo—na mag-respond kami sa mga ginawa nila nung first set,” Acuña shared.

Acuña added that the team’s persistence and unity were what made the comeback possible. He explained that their efforts during the second and third sets were fueled by their desire to redeem themselves, their trust in one another, and the motivation from their coach.

The deciding third set began with Eclaro taking the early lead, but JCA refused to back down, as two service aces from Roshaun Esgana brought the score to 15 apiece, reigniting the team’s momentum.

Both teams traded points until Castañeda’s attack pushed JCA ahead, 21–19, before Daniel Sunga followed with another decisive attack, extending their lead. Esgana delivered the final nail in the coffin courtesy of Sunga’s precise set.

Acuña led the team with 12 points off eight attacks and four blocks, including 15 excellent receptions and 14 digs. Setter Roshaun Esgana also stood out with four aces, three attacks, nine receptions, and 25 excellent sets.