06/06/2023
Region X Volleyball Girls Serve Up First-game Win against Region XI in Elementary Showdown
In the opening game of the Volleyball Girls - Elementary Level during the 2023 Pre-National Qualifying Meet (PNQM), NorthMin Stars triumphed over Davao Eagles in an exhilarating showdown at the Rotary Gym in Tagum City, Monday morning, June 5, 2023, with a scoreline of 25-19, 23-25, 25-13.
Coach Alfe J. Palac of the Northmin Stars, hailing from Northern Mindanao, expressed his overwhelming joy following his team's impressive triumph, despite the limited preparation time.
“Akong gibati karon, kay grabe akong kalipay noh. Kay syempre, 40 days mi nag training — Regional meet and then, 10 days sa Valencia bukidnon. Nasuklian dyud among pagpaningkamot. Then, ako giparemind ulit nga lahi ra dyud pag championship game, there's no tomorrow kung mapilde ta para mag pursige ang mga bata, that's it. Maong nadaug mi karon (I am feeling immense joy right now. Because, of course, we trained for 40 days during the regional meet and 10 days in Valencia, Bukidnon. Our efforts have truly paid off. To motivate the kids, I reminded them that in a championship game, you don't get another shot if you lose. It's all or nothing. And that mindset really helped us come out on top today),” said Coach Palac.
Looking ahead, Coach Palac emphasized the significance of teamwork, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on the game at hand. He also revealed that the team's strategy includes thorough scouting of their opponents and devising effective game plans.
“We will scout the team, and then amoa pangkuanon ilahang dula kung unsa pa gyud amoang mahatag ug makaya na mapilde namo, I mean ang three regions remaining. So, that’s why double ang among effort na mapilde namo sila ug makadaog napud mi (We will scout the team and figure out how we can outperform them, considering what we can bring to the table and what we can handle. I mean, there are still three regions left. That's why we're doubling our efforts to defeat them and come out victorious once again),” coach Palac added.
The PNQM marks a significant turning point in the process of selecting national athletes. As the tournament unfolds, the stakes are high, and the competition promises to be fierce as each team vies for the chance to represent their region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2023.
✍️ Bea Iryll Balse, Judith Jane Diva, & Jessa Tidalgo