One Step Closer: JCA MVT advance to AAPS 2024 Unit Meet

By: Yuri Naranja, Clarrisha Pancho

Defending champions JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA) Men’s Volleyball Team went all out to conquer the whole District III Tournament of the Athletic Association of Private Schools 2024 (AAPS) on October 17-18.

JCA outpaced Claret School of Quezon City (CSQC) despite its slow start in the finals, 17-25, 25-19, 25-22 at the St. Bridget School Gymnasium.

The game started with heavy hearts after the men in blue fell short during their first set against CSQC, in which Head Coach Roland Austria delivered a wake-up call to the team.

“Makinig at magtiwala kayo sa aming mga coach niyo, tapos syempre sa mga kakampi niyo, at higit sa lahat sa sarili niyo. Then, makikita niyo yung magandang outcome.”

District III Player of the Game Matteo Casteñeda, then stood up and took over with 12 attacks, in tandem with Daniel Sunga’s five points off three services and two blocks.

Sam Acuña, alongside Marc Dreu’s solid floor defense and precise receptions to Aikee Azarez further anchored the team’s tempo in the second set.

The crowd’s cheering energized the men in blue to continue their momentum despite CSQC’s fight back, which was not enough to steal the deciding set.

JCA also secured the win in their maiden game, with a 5-0 run, led by Castañeda and Acuña’s three service aces and an attack, closing its two-set victory, 25-19, 25-23.

After the game, Coach Austria shared, “Binalik lang ng team yung sarili nila sa fundamentals, kasi kapag mga gantong crucial na situation di nila kailangan ng flashy. Sabi ko sa kanila, ituloy lang nila yung momentum na nararamdaman nila.”

He added, “Kasi ang volleyball is a team sport, yes, malakas sila individually pero kailangan nila mag work as a team.”

The JCA MVT advances to play in the Unit Meet, reppin’ District III in the AAPS 2024.

Photos by: MJ Brioso, Gabb Soliman