NERVES OF A CHAMPION: CBA Jaguars strike gold, edge out CN Crusaders in thrilling men’s volleyball championship duel

In a tight final game, only the champion’s nerves can seal the victory.

College of Business Administration (CBA) Men’s Volleyball Team showcased their prowess in closing tight games after sweeping the volleyball championship match of the 2024 PLM Intramurals against the College of Nursing (CN) Men’s Volleyball Team, 26-24, 30-28, at the Rajah Sulayman Gymnasium, July 31.

The two extended sets of the final matchup allowed the CBA Jaguars to exhibit their championship pedigree, playing flawless volleyball in the crucial moments of the game.

Although the Crusaders had a chance to steal a set when the Jaguars’ main gunner, Johnlexter Mesina, was stuck in the back row with limited touches, CBA ensured to hold their ground until their strongest rotation returned to the front. 

Jaguars' team captain Mesina, in his final year, led by example as he propelled his team to victory, earning a spot in the Mythical Six along with the MVP plum.

“Binigay ko lang talaga yung best ko, last playing year ko na rin kasi kaya nilaban ko na. Also, makikita sa game yung eagerness ng team to win” Mesina stated.

Other than Mesina, parts of the mythical awardees are Ivan Manese (CBA), Renz Estabilo (CN), Klarence Caraan (CN), Kenneth Ribleza (CED), and John Carlo Narito (CED).

Meanwhile, despite the loss, the CN Crusaders, who battled fiercely until the end, are more than satisfied with their silver finish, a significant improvement over their previous intramural performance.

The Crusaders gave the Jaguars a tough time after denying their championship point multiple times, including a dramatic save by Darrell Batuto, who reached the committee table to keep the ball alive, allowing setter Bruce Elizalde to deliver a high drop ball that extended the match.

Jaguars, on the other hand, ensured the game wouldn’t be extended, shutting down the Crusaders’ comeback attempt with a powerful crosscourt hit from the MVP.

”Actually happy na kami basta mag podium, since during our match, ramdam na talaga ng lahat yung pagod since sunod sunod yung games”, Bruce Elizalde, the team captain of CN Crusaders mentioned during the interview.

”Also, grabe lang din yung kapit ng CBA on the last stretch of both sets; both offense and defense wise, on point sila kaya nahirapan talaga kami humanap ng panapos nung dulo”, he added.

With the CBA Jaguars clinching gold and the CN Crusaders taking silver, the CED Titans rounded out the podium by securing bronze in their victory over the CE Knights on the same day.