THE University of Mindanao (UM) and Jose Maria College (JMC) captured the titles of the just-concluded Davao City Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) Meet volleyball competition held at the UM Matina Gym.
Jonathan Vanta-coached UM defeated DMMA College of Southern Philippines (DMMACSP), 25-22, 25-16, 22-25, 25-16 in their men's championship match officiated by Balibolista de Dabaw.
Defending champion JMC volleybelles, meanwhile, lived up to their billing by recovering a first set loss to subdue the Carlos Gabucan Jr.-mentored UM, 23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22 in their women's titular clash.
UM men and JMC women spikers, thus, won berths to regional finals set Feb. 21 to 23 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City next month.
UM was powered by Francis Caunga, Marvin Antonio, Kevin Batilo, Jimboy Yarte, Jeff Mark Agang, Patrick John Bisera, Jelisthare Cerillo, Mark Anthony Demetrio, Laurence Naranjo, Vincent Lorenz Pungay and Rolly Suaybaguio with Manuel Rivera as assistant coach.
The JMC women's team, for its part, was bannered by Venus Flores, Estephany Jilo, Jerlyn Labado, May Jean Maglasang, Joan Polinar, Angel Mae Antipuesto, Mery Joy Betlagan, Lucille Cayunda, Hannah dela Cerna, Irish Dignadice, Queenie Rameri and Jocemar Tapic.
On the other hand, city champion UM Cardinals women's basketball team may automatically compete in the Prisaa National Collegiate Games on April 6 to 12 since South and North Davao Prisaa didn't put up their own women's basketball teams.
"It hasn't been confirmed but I think I we might go straight to the national finals if we don't have any opponent in the regional qualifying. We can't be complacent though. Our training continues with or without an opponent in the regionals," Cardinals coach Crisanthemum "Ining" Sarabia said in a phone conversation with Sun.Star Davao Tuesday.