Ateneo Women's Volleyball: Volleying against the tide

This appears in ateneo.edu

Volleying against the tide

The Ateneo Lady Eagles enter the UAAP volleyball finals as true foes and not mere foils.

by rick olivares pics by brosi gonzales

February 22, 2012

San Juan Arena

In the summer of 2008, four players -- Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva, Justin Chua, Vince Burke -- joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles in what can be considered as one of the best recruiting classes in college basketball. Technically, there were five of them – Tonino Gonzaga spent a year on Team B before he was called up – and together, they have won four UAAP titles. They are hardly done as their college career closes next season, they’d want nothing more than to graduate with another title. One more championship ring; this one for the thumb.

That same summer of 2008, another batch of five players also entered Loyola Heights hoping to end a long drought this time for the women’s volleyball team. That was Jem Ferrer (Hope Christian High School), Fille Cainglet (St. Scholastica’s College), Dzi Gervacio (St. Scholastica’s College), Gretchen Ho (Immaculate Conception Academy), and Aillysse Nacachi (Canossa Academy).

Of the five, it was Nacachi who was the late bloomer as she only began to see playing time in the past season. As for the other four, they logged serious minutes even as rookies.

Together they helped the Ateneo Lady Eagles to a fifth place finish in their first year. That season, Ateneo, despite parading a rookie-laded lineup, oft battled the elite teams to a near standstill only to lose in several five-setters.

The following two years, they made the final four where they finished third and fourth respectively. In between, they bagged a V-League title. This Season 74, they have made the finals for the first time since Ateneo joined the UAAP in 1978. But even so, the odds are already stacked against them as La Salle, defending champions, swept the double round robin eliminations and earned themselves a thrice to beat advantage. More than that, they had not beaten La Salle in nine consecutive games.

In their first meeting, Ateneo took first set but lost the last three. In the last match of the second round, the Lady Eagles took a two-sets-to-one lead before a spate of receiving errors did them in as they collapsed in the last two sets. Even if the match went the full five sets, the Lady Archers were taunting the Lady Eagles as if to say, “you’ll never get this.”

And so the stage was set between the massive favorites and the underdogs. And it seemed, at least for almost two sets, that the girls in green and white would continue their domination (La Salle took the first set 25-23).

Yet with La Salle holding a 23-22 advantage in the second set, Ateneo head coach Roger Gorayeb’s gambit of sending in rookie Mary Tajima in for defense at center worked as the Lady Archers mysteriously stopped their attack in the middle. While it worked on defense, Tajima’s service error evened up the match at 24-all. But in gut check time, the Lady Eagles behind Ho and Cainglet hammered home three consecutive points to even the match at a set apiece, 28-26.

In the crucial third set, with the game tied once more at 23-all before nailing the last two points to take a two-sets-to-one lead.

In the fourth set, Ateneo pulled away when they reeled off nine straight points to make it 15-6 behind Dzi Gervacio’s booming jump serves that caused all sorts of receiving problems for La Salle. It was the biggest deficit ever for the Lady Archers all season long in 15 matches. But showing their championship form, La Salle mounted a rally that saw the come to within four at 12-16. Instead of folding, the Lady Eagles’ defense at the net got tighter while their open hitters began to find holes in their opponent’s floor.

As Dzi Gervacio capped a splendid fourth set with a kill for match point 25-17, the Lady Eagles finally ended over four year’s of frustration to La Salle (the last win was with Charo Soriano still in harness) to take Game 1.

Valdez led all scorers with 24 points while Fille Cainglet added 19. La Salle was led by Abigail Marano with 17 points with Michelle Gumabao and Victonara Galang chipping in 14 points each.

The Lady Eagles match the Lady Archers with nine points won through blocks; a sign that their defense was better than how they played in the eliminations.

It was a huge win for sure; one to give massive amounts of confidence to a team sorely needing one. La Salle for sure will regroup and come back after their perfect season was spoiled. But the Lady Eagles, happy as they were, tempered their celebration.

“Sana tuloy tuloy na ‘to,” said Gorayeb afterwards. “Alam na ng mga bata na kaya nilang talunin yung La Salle. Syempre hindi pa tapos ‘to. Matagal pa. Kailangan itaas pa nila yung kanilang laro para makuha yung championship.”

Game Two is set for Saturday, February 25, at 2pm at the San Juan Arena.

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Here's one on the UAAP Baseball Finals.

Azkals pep rally on Friday, Feb 24; Lineup for match vs Malaysia

Azkals pep rally on Friday

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team  faces it first real serious test before the AFC Challenge Cup Group Stages in Nepal this March when they take on Malaysia, the reigning Suzuki Cup champions, this coming Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

To drum up support for the national squad for the international friendly match, there will be a pep rally held at the SM Megamall Building A activity center (the former ice skating area) on Friday, February 24, at 2pm.

Members of the Azkals as well as its booster group, the Kaholeros, will be in attendance. During the two-hour rally, the Kaholeros will teach the fans the cheers and beats of the songs and chants that have become a staple of Azkals matches. Prizes will be raffled away for lucky fans.

There will be a limited autograph signing session for the first 100 fans to register at the Global Pinoy Center (across the SM Mega Trade Hall in the fifth floor of Building B.

The Azkals line-up for February 29 against Malaysia

1. Eduard Sacapaño

2. Jason Sabio

3. Carli De Murga

4. Roel Gener

5. Roxy Dorlas

6. Ref Cuaresma

7. Lexton Moy

8. Emelio Caligdong

9. Juan Luis Guirado

10. Angel Guirado

11. Misagh Bahadoran

12. Phil Younghusband

13. Ian Araneta

14. Nate Burkey

15. Neil Etheridge

16. Ray Jonsson

17. Dennis Wolf

18. Jason De Jong

19. Bervic Italia

20. Oj Clarino

21. James Younghusband

22. Rob Gier

23. Marwin Angeles

24. Joshua Beloya

25. Nestor Margarse

26. Ruben Doctora

27. Paolo Pascual

Quick interviews with Ateneo Blue Eaglets' Kyle Suarez, DLSZ's John Boo & Joseph Tempongko, Holy Child's Chris Gavia, SBC's Francis Abarcar & Mapua's Rodolfo Alejandro

Quick interviews (between games) with high school seniors looking to be selected for the Seaoil High School All-Star Game on March 4, 2012.

John Boo & Joseph Tempongko talk about the Seaoil High School All-Star Game

Kyle Suarez & Chris Gavia on the Seaoil High School All-Star Game

Francis Abarcar & Rodolfo Alejandro for the Seaoil High School All-Stars

Azkals vs Malaysia Stand Your Ground

Watch out for more details on what we have planned for the upcoming Philippines vs Malaysia match on February 29, 2012 at 7pm at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Tickets are available at Ticketworld.

Please find the ticket prices to the Philippines vs. Malaysia match on February 29, 2012 at 7pm at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Tickets go on sale today, Saturday, at Ticketworld.

Grandstand

Sections D to H -- Php 2,500

Sections A to C, I to K and O to V -- Php 1,500

Sections L to N and W to Y -- Php 500

Bleachers

White section -- Php 200

Green and blue sections -- Php 100

The UFL weekend February 18 & 19

The UFL weekend February 18 & 19

The rumors of Global’s death as a football power are turning out to be premature. Last season’s first runner-up in the league competition shed Stallion of their mantle of invincibility with a 1-0 win that made the title race all the more interesting.

After absorbing a 3-2 loss to Loyola last February 4, Global hurdled Green Archers United 1-0 before inflicting a loss on the previously undefeated Iloilo-based club. With the win, Global moved up from third place to second with 12 points from four wins in six matches. They also moved up in the plus-goal difference to six.

Stallion on the other hand, got back on the winning track with a 5-2 win over the crumbling Green Archers United 5-2 after the disappointing scoreless draw with Pasargad. And from the opening whistle, it seemed that Stallion was in for a taut and tense dogfight with last year’s first runner-up in league play.

The Dr. Eu Hyung Pe/Ernie Nierras coached club had difficulty in fending off Angel Guirado whose use of the acres of space afforded him contributed to their erstwhile leader’s demise in the match. With the Fil-Spaniard able to feed the ball forward, Misagh Bahadoran and Izzo El Habbib were able to maraud from the wings. Yep, we all know that Angel moves in only one speed but I’ll take his precision passing and heart any day of the week. At least we know that he will pass that ball without hesitation. Unlike others who think that a pass is something you only do at this hot babe at a bar.

In the 57^th minute, one of Global’s multitude of crosses found its way (courtesy of William Guerridon) to El Habbib was able to simply essay a short stab for the match’s only goal.

Stallion was not without their chances but almost all of the shots were from distance as they were unable to penetrate Global’s compact back four. When striker Ruben Doctora Jr. entered the match in place of Vince Braga, Stallion’s attack gained form. Doctora’s long-range volley from some 40 meters away that struck the post. But that was the lone decent attempt to beat Paolo Pascual who was resolute in minding the net.

As the match progressed, the Stallion players got a little hot under the collar and leveled Bahadoran a couple of times. Mysteriously, Wilfredo Bermejo, referee for the match, swallowed his whistle on many an occasion. The league needs to review all officiating and to make use of the video technology available because I believe that the technical officials ultimately need to be responsible for the gross ineptitude of the zebras.

The match also claimed a few casualties aside as Doctora suffered a knee injury. “Not serious,” said Nierras after the match and we can only hope so because the football glory-starved masses should not be deprived of Balut’s genius.

Global head coach Graeme MacKinnon tendered his resignation less than 24-hours after the win citing a need to return to his family in Australia. This couldn’t come at a more inopportune time considering they chalked up a huge win. But I want to say that I was watching what was going on in the bench the whole time and I saw it. Trouble is ahead if you ask me. Where to, Global?

The loss by Stallion still kept them in the lead with 13 points if only for another day as Loyola Meralco flexed their Younghusband-powered muscles and crushed punchless Navy 14-0 one day later to reclaim the pole position of the UFL for only the second time this season. How will Navy get attract recruits with all their losing? And it’s not just losing but losing badly.

Kaya also got the three full points they needed to stay within striking distance of the leaders with a 3-nil win over hapless Pasargad. With the win, Kaya got its first multi-goal game since the cup tournament and saw Prince Mark Boley and Nate Burkey notch their first goals of the season.

Pasargad if you ask me is paying for its flawed lineup. No offense and no relief until the March transfer window. Expect other squads to disembowel them unless other players step up their game. It is too much to ask team captain Mansour Mahdadi and goalkeeper Abdollah “The Persian Cat” Golkhah to turn back the repeated attacks. Mistakes are bound to be committed and when Golkhah, normally sure handed, lost the ball (to Eric Dagroh who simply nudged the ball into the goal), Kaya’s drought ended.

Air Force is beginning to feel their wind beneath their wings with a 3-0 pasting of Nomads, another team that needs to up its game.

So how many teams are doing well – Loyola, Stallion, Global, and Kaya. Air Force to some extent as they begin to make their move to the top. The bottom half – Army, Nomads, Pasargad, Green Archers, and Navy are mired in mediocrity and all sorts of problems. Maybe the UFL should also look into relegating two and promoting two. It doesn’t make sense to have only one team go up and go down.

Day 2 of the tryouts for the first ever Seaoil High School All-Star Game

I attended the second day of the tryouts for the first ever Seaoil High School All-Star Game at San Beda College last Sunday morning. I have watched only about half the participants (high school ballers from the NCAA and the UAAP) and this was a chance to see players from other schools.

It’s kind of exciting as this is a first – a high school all-star game – because it is patterned after the McDonald’s All-American game and we get to see the best high school players in action. Already there are some collegiate scouts watching the action in earnest.

Some have been snapped up by some college programs (I cannot say who is going where) while some aren’t sure where they will end up.

But who looked good last Sunday (the one I watched)? Ateneo’s Kyle Suarez, Mapua’s Rodolfo Alejandro, Olongapo City National High School’s Jaycee Marcelino, St. John’s Institute (of Bacolod)’s Kirell Montalbo, Holy Child Reds’ Chris Gavia, and of course, FEU’s spectacular Jerie Pingoy.

Watching Pingoy… I am reminded of what someone once wrote (or said) about Detroit Piston Isaiah Thomas – “His dribbling ability can get him anywhere on the court and do whatever he wants.” I saw him during the UAAP campaign and man, he is so much better now. Maybe it helps that he is playing with the best high school ballers from all over the country but he sure did elevate his game. And he didn’t need to score! He was just balling and dropping dimes. Threading defenses and hitting teammates for bounce passes and layups in traffic!

There are 100 players trying out for 30 slots for the Seaoil High School All-Star Game that will be played on March 4 at the Ynares Center in Pasig (the game will also be shown on AKTV). Watch out for this. There will be a couple of practices for the two teams that will be competing and we will announce when and where they will be held because it is open to the public. Stayed tuned to Bleachers’ Brew and other basketball sites.

A lesson in hydration for The Buller Runner Dream Marathon participants

The main importance of the sweat test is learning the sweat rates of athletes as they engage in any sports activity. Athletes tend to take personal hydration lightly and thus, are not adequately hydrated. The sweat test determines how much sodium, potassium and magnesium are lost when one sweats. And that leads to into problems like a decline in performance and focus, muscle cramping, fainting, fatigue and even sometimes some more serious issues like hyponatremia, which can have really serious complications such as osteoporosis and reduced reaction time. A hydration program is then prepared for athletes or in this case, the Dream Marathon participants.

Personally, I think it is the endurance and track athletes who pay more attention to proper hydration. But it seems that it has caught on with other sports such as basketball and football. Good friend TJ Manotoc was telling me after hearing Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra advise basketball players to hydrate before the game and not just during the game, he took it to heart. And it helps.

Watching the runners at the Philsports track last Saturday morning. You could clearly see who isn’t in shape and lacking in hydration and those who are. Since I learned of this, when I have a chance to play hoops, tennis or even simply walk and jog, I hydrate properly.

I took these videos (and more) at the Philsports track last Saturday, February 18, at 630am.

Ateneo and La Salle football: Unfinished business.

This appears in ateneo.edu

Ateneo and La Salle football: Unfinished business.

by rick olivares

Some things end not the way you expect it and yet you manage a smile if only for the good endings.

Some things end not the way you expect it and it leaves you shaking your head in disbelief and asking, “What went wrong?”

It has been a bewildering season for the Ateneo Blue Eagles on the football field. They lost RS Mantos for several games due to his anger management problem and as a result they fitted in two other goalkeepers (Joel Faustino and Yu Murayama) to stem the tide (as they conceded a bushel-load of goals). They did play well on occasion as dominated some of the tougher competition only to lose in the endgame. But in the end, the Blue Booters chalked up three wins – one against UE and two against La Salle, avenging a three-year streak of futility against their ancient foe.

For the Green Archers, it was another frustrating season. They have talented and deep lineup with many of them making a good account of themselves during the past summer’s Under-23 tournament as well as in the UFL. And then there was the University Games where they beat tournament favorite University of St. La Salle to win the title. While they were expected to give UST and UP a tough fight for the coveted men’s football crown, Ateneo stood in their way. Twice.

After the boys in blue picked up a 1-0 win over UE, they succumbed to a series of disappointing and crippling loses that saw them alternating with the Red Warriors for the infamy of being the cellar dweller.

The boys in green in the meantime succumbed to four consecutive draws and needed a win against Ateneo to get back in contention.

Unfortunately, this was a different Ateneo team that was unlike the troubled squads of the past few years that was lacking in talent and resolve.

In the first meeting that closed out the first round action, Ateneo dominated the field of play and earned a 1-0 win.

That was the win that was supposed to turn Ateneo’s season around. Instead, they were ambushed by a pair of 2-0 loses to UP and UST. And then they even spotted FEU with a one goal lead before conceding two goals in a galling defeat. UE even repaid them in spades with a 1-0 win. And the final game against La Salle was – you can say – to avoid finishing dead last for the second time in the past three years.

The loss to Ateneo threw La Salle momentarily out of the orbit of competing for the top two spots. With every passing match, it became more obvious that their confidence and morale had greatly waned. The good cheer brought about by the Unigames titled was a forgotten memory. They lost defender Miguel Montelibano before the UAAP season began to academics as well as Kaman Suleiman at the start of the tourney to a knee injury. Starting keeper Patrick Deyto, the best goalkeeper of a year ago, was oft moody and lacking in his trademark fire and the team suffered for it. But the Green Archers managed to right their ship and got back within three points and a prayer of catching that last seat to the finals.

Yet once more, Ateneo was in the way. As it was in the first meeting between the two teams, the boys from Loyola dominated and showed excellent play in the midfield behind veteran James Arco, freshman Mikko Mabanag who was brilliant in his feeding the ball to his forwards, and senior Anton Amistoso who was terrific in a holding midfield position.

If Mabanag was solid in Ateneo’s midfield, La Salle threatened with Nathan Alquiros’ play from the left flank. But the Blue Booter’s defense was difficult to crack as they repulsed one La Salle sortie after another.

Yet for all of Ateneo’s dominance, the decision making in their finishing left much to be desired. When they needed to cross the ball, they sent it several seconds too late or passed it back. When they needed a fast play, they took their time and allowed La Salle’s defense to take shape.

La Salle was able to adjust and force the ball away from Mabanag in the early goings of the second half, but when Ateneo’s defense held, the home side quickly regained the initiative with Mabanag once more the maestro in the midfield.

In the 71^st minute, a cross by Kurt Alvarez cut right through the heart of La Salle’s defense. Amistoso swopped in and banged in the goal past keeper Josh Cruz, his second of the season (also against La Salle) for what would be the only score of the match. Alvarez, who had come back this season because of what he said was "unfinished business" nearly doubled the lead but his strike went – incredibly – wide.

At fulltime, the boys in blue whooped it up and closed out the season with a resounding singing of the alma mater song. There were mixed feelings especially among the graduating seniors. The ultimate goal – to win a title – was not attained. It was a roller coaster season with damning lows and with good highs. They ended years of La Salle domination and once more derailed their title dreams. So they managed a smile and hearty laughs.

The boys in green gathered on the opposite side, struggling to hold their heads high while holding back the tears. As La Salle sputtered during the season, there was talk or even threat of a day of reckoning (of changes). As they forlornly trudged back to the bench, there were none of the words of anger or encouragement that wafted about their bench through nine games. Their collective silence and going different ways said it all.

As the final football matches of the day got underway, Ateneo’s Kurt Alvarez for a moment stewed on whether he was coming back or not for one more go around. The time away from the team helped in a more mature look at the game. “it’s all about unfinished business,” he said. He did score the first goal of his college career against FEU after a sterling stint with the Ateneo high school team. “But is it really?”

That and many others will be answered months from now.

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For James Arco, Anton Amistoso, and RS Mantos. Thank you for coming back and giving it that old college try even if it was very difficult. I was hard on Anton for a couple of years but that was because I thought that he was a damn good footballer who didn't show his stuff when it was needed. But this year, he was solid all throughout. And almost every game I watched I had to shake his hand in appreciation. My everlasting gratitude to him for gutting it out and giving it his damn best. Kurt Alvarez and Miguel Tuason... if you don’t decide to come back, thanks too. And to JP Merida... good job. Coaches Power, Ryan, and Greg... thank you.

For La Salle and their warriors – Migs Patag, Mat Nierras, and Nathan Alquiros – you guys played with a lot of heart and spunk.

Ticket prices to the Azkals-Tigers game on Feb. 29

Please find the ticket prices to the Philippines vs. Malaysia match on February 29, 2012 at 7pm at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Tickets go on sale today, Saturday, at Ticketworld.

Grandstand

Sections D to H -- Php 2,500

Sections A to C, I to K and O to V -- Php 1,500

Sections L to N and W to Y -- Php 500

Bleachers

White section -- Php 200

Green and blue sections -- Php 100

Also check out the Back Four Bums Episode 8 podcast here. And also the voting for Your UFL Starting XI here. 

Thanks for your time with the Yankees, AJ Burnett.

AJ Burnett says goodbye to Broadway. photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images.

The trade of AJ Burnett (98-starts, 34-35 with a 4.79 ERA) from the New York Yankees to the Pittsburgh Pirates leaves me with mixed feelings. I know professional sports is not given much to sentiment and Burnett was clearly a disappointment in his last two years in pinstripes so the trade had to happen. Yet he was a major part of why the Yankees won the 2009 World Series. No way would have NY won that without AJ.

However, that was the past and the last two seasons became a soap opera every time Burnett would pitch. The trade I feel it’s going to be good for both teams. Joe Girardi doesn’t need to think if it’s “Good AJ” or “Bad AJ” who is going to show up. And when this also means that the team can bring in Raul Ibañez who I thought was a terrific player with Seattle and Philadelphia.

AJ was also instrumental (along with Nick Swisher) in helping shape the new culture in the boring and business-like culture in the Yankees’ clubhouse. With Burnett’s departure, I wonder if the shaving cream pie tradition that began in ’09 will still be continued. At the end of the day, it all boils down to wins, loses, and ERAs.

With the new pitchers they brought in Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda they are supposedly better. And all of a sudden, the pitching staff with CC Sabathia, Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova, and Phil Hughes – hey, there’s still Joba Chamberlain -- got crowded and the Yankees needed to move Burnett so they could use the money to purchase some more help. And this being New York, you know they love their hitters.

Burnett somewhat reminds me of Jeff Weaver who didn’t do well in New York but did well for himself elsewhere. The pitcher friendly park of PNC Park should help Burnett who really needs to get his confidence going.

On the other hand, I am still sore about New York not being able to bring Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee they would have really helped the Yankees in the post-season.

So once more, it is going to be an interesting season for New York. If they don’t win this then bigger changes will be in store for this team.

The Blue Haired Fan celebrates his "infamous birth" at Panaad

The Blue Haired Fan celebrates his "infamous birth" at Panaad

by rachel montero and rick olivares with pics by mamae fortit and kevin manalo

Who can ever forget the scene at last year’s AFC Challenge Cup match between the Philippines and Mongolia in Panaad Stadium when a blue haired and face-painted guy came down from the stands and ran around while waving a flag minutes before the match?

The crowd was buzzing with excitement and looking and the guy in face paint surely gave them something to cheer about. But he was escorted out of the field by uniformed policemen and disappeared for some time.

After pleading his case with the local police that he was no troublemaker, he reappeared later in the stands to lead the crowd in cheering for the national team.

That was the Philippines’ introduction to the Blue Haired Fanatic aka Richard “Ebong” Joson. 

After pulling such a successful stunt in Panaad, the Blue Haired Fan (BHF) was tasked to lead the Kaholeros, the official booster squad of the Azkals. And he has since been at almost every Azkals match be it in Rizal Memorial Stadium or in Indonesia.

Exactly one year later, the Blue Haired Fan returned to the scene of the crime (as some might say) or his place of origin to celebrate “his birth”.

Sans the wig and face paint, Joson went to back to Panaad Stadium for a celebration that saw not only merriment in drink and song (Kaholeros Bacolod also surprised Joson with a BHF-themed cake) but also an impromptu football match. Joson once donned the colors of Ateneo de Manila and the University of the Philippines during his school days. He has since made a career in doing voice over’s for television and radio commercials as well as hosting events. But because of the events in Panaad last February 9, 2011, Joson has since been catapulted to the forefront of the Philippine football revolution cheering and supporting our national teams as well as football endeavors.

For the football match, BHF teamed up with Kaholeros Bacolod and United FC against Real Bata FC.

A few seconds before half time, Kaholeros Bacolod/Unified FC scored to make it 1-nil, but Real Bata responded three minutes after the resumption of the game for the equalizer. In the 64^th minute, Real Bata scored another goal that proved to be the game winner.

The “birthday” celebration continued the following evening at Dugout Bacolod, the home of Kaholeros Bacolod where they partied all night long.

Gatorade presents... The Back Four Bums Episode #8

It's the eighth episode of the Back Four Bums as we tackle the recent games of the Azkals in the Middle East, the UFL games (Freddie Gonzalez, the All-UFL voting on bleachersbrew.blogspot.com, Unca Bob's proposals for all-star games, Stallion vs Green Archers etc), the UAAP, officiating in the UAAP and local football, and the upcoming Ateneo Football League. Bob Guerrero is the lead host and we're missing Cedelf Tupas who was overseas with the national team.