THE Davao City National High School (DCNHS) and Baguio National School of Arts and Trades (BNSAT) drew first blood as the 2nd Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Inter-Public School Volleyball Tournament opened at the Davao City National High School multi-purpose covered court Wednesday, September 12.
DCNHS, with middle hitter Leo Aringa and open hitter Kayeanne Mekaelle Monares at the helm, dismantled Vicenta Nograles National High School 25-12, 25-5, in the curtain raiser of the secondary boys division.
Aringa and Monares unleashed their offensives since the first set, leaving their rivals helpless.
“Bawal maluoy (No mercy),” Monares said in their blowout debut win in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with the Department of Education and Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office.
Aringa, who also secured a scholarship in the National University (NU) after graduation, said they only executed what they learned during training.
“Hopefully tuloy-tuloy na po sa finals,” the 6-foot-4 powerspiker said.
DCNHS head coach Sylver Prior, however, said winning the title is the team's top priority.
BNSAT volleybelles, meanwhile, eked out a 25-16, 25-12 win over Sta. Ana National High School in the opening game of the secondary girls division.
BNSAT leaned on service aces of Alexandra Buscato, Jemie Rose Joco, Milka Pontulan and Carylle Mae Banias.
“We took advantage of their weakness and played our own game,” coach Cesar Belliza said, following the crucial errors of their opponent.
He, however, said the team should improve to reach the finals.
Meanwhile, Kabacan Elementary School defeated Calinan Central Elementary School, 25-10, 25-16, in the grade school boys’ event even as Kabacan Elementary School demolished Don Pedro Rodriguez Elementary School 25-13, 25-22, in the grade school girls division.
Meanwhile, commissioner Maxey's executive assistant Karlo Pates and SDD-CMO chief Michael Denton Aportadera and spearheaded the simple opening program.
Maxey, in his message read by his executive assistant Karlo Pates, said, “This is one of PSC's grassroots sports programs. We want to create a platform for the development of our young athletes, particularly those from the public schools.”
Aportadera lauded PSC and he also urged participants to give their best and learn from their experiences.
“How you play is what matters, not your shoes nor your uniforms,” he added.
The event is officiated by the Davao Volleyball Association and Balibolista de Dabaw.