Tigers, Lady Blazers emerge PNVF champions

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas (UST) unleashed a lethal weapon in slaying Cignal, and College of Saint Benilde played true to form to emerge men’s and women’s champions of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Joshua Ybañez, only 5-foot-6, was more than a David in UST’s lineup as he unleashed a high-flying and all-over-the-court act in the Tigers’ 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 15-13 slaying of many-time club champion Cignal, which won the men’s tournament inaugurals last year.

“I still can’t believe we won against a top team Cignal,” said Ybañez, 20, who added the Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player trophy to his Rookie-MVP plum in UAAP Season 85.

“But we won because of teamwork and of course, our coaches,” added the pride of General Santos City who had 26 points in the two-hour and 16-minute thriller.

Meanwhile, Benilde was tactical in beating University of the Philippines (UP), 25-18, 25-18, 25-13, to reign supreme in women’s play.

The Lady Blazers, the back-to-back NCAA champions, needed only 81 minutes to frustrate UP and complete a sweep of the 16-team women’s division of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI.

“We joined the Challenge Cup to gear up for the NCAA and we’re very glad we won,” said Jerry Yee, whose wards never surrendered a set in the tournament. “We’re all inspired and boosted ahead of the NCAA.”