Cassanova douses Draco’s fire in men’s volleyball semi-finals; advances to championships

The aggressiveness of COE’s (College of Engineering) Draco proved no match against the webs of CASS’ (College of Arts and Social Sciences) Cassanova, as the latter secured a hard-fought three-set victory, 14-25, 25-20, 25-23, in the PALAKASAN 2026 men’s volleyball semi-finals on March 25 at the Multi-Purpose Hall.


The court was set ablaze by Draco’s burning drive to win, while Cassanova responded with precise and calculated plays, their web-like coordination evident in every rally. Both teams remained locked in, never taking their eyes off the ball as intensity filled the entire match.


COE immediately asserted dominance in the opening set, capitalizing on powerful spikes and aggressive plays that created a wide gap early in the game.


Despite CASS initiating the first serve, Draco’s squad maintained control, consistently extending their lead through clean hits and high jumps that left the crowd in awe. The set concluded with COE taking a commanding 25-14 win.


The turning point of the match came midway through the second set when CASS’ Tangian, player #2, delivered crucial spikes that helped even the score, shifting the momentum in favor of CASS. Refusing to remain caught in Draco’s momentum, CASS regrouped in the second set, showing improved stability and stronger defensive coordination.


Although COE continued their aggressive approach and built an early lead, the Spider-Trolls, through disciplined blocking and persistent rallies, closed the gap and eventually overtook their opponents to secure the second set, 25-20.


Despite a setback as one of their players sustained an injury, CASS maintained composure and continued to push forward.


The deciding set proved to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging points in a neck-and-neck rally. Each score was immediately answered, keeping the gap minimal and the tension high inside the Multi-Purpose Hall as the match reached its peak.


In the final moments, CASS held their ground and executed crucial plays, allowing them to edge past COE and close the set 25-23, completing a comeback victory.


In an interview with CASSayuran, Lois Von Tangian, a third-year BA Filipino student and middle blocker, admitted that the team struggled early in the match.


“We felt a lot of pressure in the first set. We made many errors, especially in our first ball. We thought the gap was already too big, so we gave that set to them,” he shared.


Tangian added that the team made key adjustments moving forward.


“In the second set, we doubled our effort to regain our confidence. Slowly, the pressure disappeared, and we were able to catch up and win the set. The third set was a deciding game, and both teams had a chance to win, but our determination helped us take control,” he said.


Despite the victory, Tangian emphasized that the team still has areas to improve.


“Our chemistry is not yet perfect. We relied on basic plays, but they were solid. Our communication improved because we constantly talked on the court, helping each other with positioning and responsibilities,” he added.


The match showcased CASS’ resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, proving that even against Draco’s fiery offense, Cassanova’s web of teamwork and coordination can ultimately turn the tide in their favor.


Now bound for the championship, the Spider-Trolls prepare for a decisive battle for the title this coming April.



Report by Xercys Nicolle Awa
Proofread by Harris Donmoen Iligan
Photos by Samuel Adrian Guerra and Andrea Karla Deligero