CASS’ Tali Volley Men's Team Seizes Championship Run with Hard-Earned Silver

by Rona Marie Julaica Alison

The College of Arts and Social Sciences’ (CASS) Tali capped off an inspiring run in the Men’s Volleyball tournament with a silver-medal finish after falling to the College of Education – Integrated Development School’s (CED-IDS) Borealis and Blaze in an intense championship match on Friday, April 4, at the University Gymnasium.

The opening set was nothing short of thrilling, as both teams were on fire. The scoreline reflected a tight battle, with neither side able to pull away. Each time CASS' Tali scored, CED-IDS quickly responded with a point of their own, keeping the match at a deadlock for most of the set.

Tali leaned on sharp spikes and coordinated team play, while Borealis and Blaze countered with solid blocks and well-executed strategies. The crowd roared through long rallies and tight plays, but in the crucial final moments, CED-IDS edged ahead with a clutch service ace to steal the first set, 25–22.

With momentum on their side, Borealis and Blaze tightened their defense in the second set. Their impenetrable blockers and aggressive attacks caught CASS off guard, forcing Tali into quick adjustments. Despite Tali’s efforts to hold their ground, CED-IDS pulled away with confidence, closing the second set at 25–17 and taking a commanding two-set lead.

With the championship now on the line, the final set was expected to be an all-out war—and it truly was. CASS, determined to defend their undefeated streak, came out aggressive, hoping to regain their rhythm from the first set. Meanwhile, CED-IDS, fueled by their two-set win, played with renewed confidence.

Refusing to back down, CASS came out swinging in the third set, determined to keep their championship hopes alive. Regaining their rhythm, Tali seized the early lead, rallying behind their signature hustle and composure. However, CED-IDS responded with poise, losing the gap and retaking control late in the set. With a final surge, Borealis and Blaze sealed the win, 25–22, securing the championship crown.

Despite denied the championship title, CASS' Tali walked off the court with heads held high in an enduring silver podium bid—an achievement made even more remarkable by their underdog status and limited preparation time.

“I am very proud. Kay together sa akong team, gihatag namo among best. Even though wala namo napaabot ug 4th set, still, maka podium finish ta karon,” said Team Captain Jerry Carbaquil. 

Carbaquil also shared that the most challenging part of the game for the team was communication. He mentioned that they also lacked time to practice, which became the reason why they somehow did not expect to make it to the finals, and their only goal was to challenge CED-IDS’ gameplay. 

Aeron Cagas, a team member, also shared that they’re thankful enough to be able to secure the silver medal and make it to the podium finish. “ At first, kay gina [put] namo sa among mind nga at least man lang makasulod sa podium kay bronze finisher mi last year, so at least ma maintain namo nga ma bronze finisher. Thankfully, gihatag ni God nga makaabot mi sa championships. Thankful mi sa bisan mag unsa ang result karon, happy gihapon mi. Despite sa performance ng among gipakita, at the end of the day, ma work ra gihapon namo na throughout the year,” Cagas stated. 

The finals will be remembered as a fierce clash of an elite team determined to reclaim the throne taken from them last year now battling point-for-point against a rising challenger hungry to make their own mark.