GOING ALL OUT: CE Knights complete season sweep, topple CN Crusaders in women’s volleyball final showdown

With an unblemished record in the 2024 Intramurals, the CE Knights cemented their status as this year’s PLM Queens of Volleyball.

The College of Engineering (CE) Women’s Volleyball Team wrapped up this season with their records unstained after showing a late-game surge in the finals, surviving the College of Nursing (CN) Women’s Volleyball Team, 11-25, 25-22, 15-9, at the Rajah Sulayman Gymnasium, July 31.

The undefeated CE Knights had a slow start as CN Crusaders dominated the opening set with superior execution in both defensive strategies and offensive maneuvers, 11-25.

“Sa unang set, kinabahan yung team namin since lagi naming nakakalaro sa tune up ang CN and alam namin kung gaano sila ka-solid. Kaya ‘yung first set, halos binigay na namin sa kanila and nag shuffle kami ng players sa next [set] part para mapili yung best rotation,” Estephanie Arenas, CE Knights’ open spiker stated.

Down by a single set, the CE Knights then made sure to counter CN Crusaders’  offensive onslaught, and once they hit their stride, they began to exhibit their gameplan.

In their desire to stop their foes from executing better plays, they focused on their serves and tried to target the Crusaders’ setter and team captain.

With their strategic approach, the momentum shifted in Knights’ favor, allowing them to not only win the championship game but also complete the season without a single loss.

“Prayers, kumpiyansa, at tiwala sa potential ng teammates, iyon siguro nagpanalo sa’min, also the support of the audiences helped us para maipakita yung best namin,” Francine De Lara, CE Knights’ team captain shared after the game.

In her second year with the team, De Lara delivered standout performances and strong leadership that earned her both the MVP title and a spot on the Mythical Six.

Alongside De Lara, the other athletes hailed as part of the Mythical list are Estephanie Arenas (CE), Daphgne Manalo (CN), Erina Villanueva (CN), Princess Palconit (CHASS), and Irish Anne Mendoza (CS).

After failing to reach the semis last intramurals, the championship title of CE Knights is a testament that hard work and consistent training can propel a team to victory.

On the other hand, the CN Crusaders, who also missed the semi finals last year, made a remarkable comeback by battling their way to a silver finish this season.

“It feels surprising because entering the finals was not originally part of the plan, we just want to enjoy our last playing year since the majority of us are incoming seniors,” Crusaders’ Lalaine Imbien said.

Meanwhile, the CS Sharks joined the podium with a bronze finish after outplaying the CHASS Blue Ravens in their matchup for third place.