Sunday, September 14, 2008 Pardo ES scores upset in volleyball finals
OUT-SIZED but definitely not out-hustled the Pardo Elementary School (PES) defeated defending champion Collegio del Sto. Niño (CSN), 25-17, 25-18, in the finals of the boy’s volleyball competition of the 2008 Little Milo Olympics at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday
For a team composed of mostly small players compared their victory sent a clear message to everyone: size is not an issue at all. The more aggressive CSN also failed to use their size advantage against PES.
Bonus factor
“I always encourage my boys to always think strong even if they are small. I explain to them most of the time that in a game, size or height is only a bonus factor. It is really the skills and tactics that count,” said PES head coach Rommel Simbajon.
It seemed “next time” was PES’ magic phrase as these are the only words team captain Chris Roy Guzman, who is one of the only two big players in the team, keeps on telling his teammates after every mistake they committed
Also praised for the team’s success was the smallest of the group, Wilnan Atillo, who proved to be a steady presence in defense against the solid spikes from CNS.
Meanwhile, Jubay Elementary School (JES) of Liloan won against Lahug Elementary School, 25–21, 25–23, to secure third place.
In the girl’s division, CSN banked on the efforts of team captain Therese Rae Ramas and Ma. Christine Vergara to easily defend their crown against JES, 25–14, 25–10, while the early crowd favorite St. Theresa’s College settled for the third place after defeating Lahug Elementary School, 25–21, 25-14. (RMS)
