Instituto eyes V-League title repeat

MANILA, Philippines – Instituto Manila Estetico has made history by becoming the first men's champion of the Shakey's V-League. The Volley Masters wants to write another one in the next.

"It's a proud and heartwarming feeling to become the first champion in the Shakey's V-League," said Instituto coach Ernesto Balubar a day after his team completed a 2-1 series win over the Systema Active Smashers with a 25-21, 24-26, 25-22, 14-25, 15-12 Game Three win.

"We'll be back next conference and hopefully we'll get that chance to win the title again," he added.

Balubar though admitted his team will face a bigger, tougher field when the league starts to make the men's division a regular staple.

"We've already received invitation this early to join in next season and for sure we'll be joining," he said.

Instituto is also facing the specter of losing key players Rennz Ordonez, Rudy Gatdula and Eden Canlas to their original mother team Cagayan Valley, which will field in a men's squad next conference.

"Coach Nes (Pamilar) lent me Ordonez, Gatdula and Canlas this conference," said Balubar, a Calcuclus teacher on the side.

"As much as I want to have the three back, I will have to give them back to their mother team, which is Cagayan," he added.

With or without the three, Balubar said his team should still be a force thanks to a team headed by Jeffrey Jimenez, the reigning conference and Finals MVP.

"We're still a solid team and we hope to feed from this recent success and use it next conference," said Balubar.