By: Johann Caleb Li

Copyedited by Stacie Catallo

Photos: Reisha Uy, Gabriel Nicolas, Daniel Quintin, Santine Susa

Lady Chiefs tops off their intramurals run with a gold medal in the Volleyball Girls’ finals after two nerve-wracking sets against the reigning champions, the Tamaraws, with both sets reaching a deuce, 2 – 0 (26 – 24, 26 – 24) in the school gymnasium last Friday.

As the first set commenced, it was evident how bad the two parties wanted the crown. On one hand, the Chiefs’ sheer hunger to prove themselves to the entire school after falling short to this year’s Tamaraws in the previous Intramurals.

On the other hand, the Tamaraws wanted to defend their title as champions, to make a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The formidable Tamaraws got off to a hot start, led by Venice Macainan’s service aces and lightning quick reaction times on her receives, fueling the run even further. Despite this, an array of spikes from Chiefs’ star Kate Flores was too much to handle for the Tamaraws, as the Chiefs secured the first set, 26 – 24.

Putting the first set on their backs and setting their sights on sending the match into a third set, the desperate Tamaraws got early momentum and had a 16 – 10 advantage, seeming like there was no stopping in sight.

Keeping their offense and defense consistent throughout the entire match, the Chiefs managed to turn the tides in their favor, 21-16, with the Tamaraws calling for a timeout, in hopes of shutting down their momentum.

Though the Chiefs did manage to run into a speed bump in the end, along with the Tamaraws rallying a small run, it ultimately showed to not be enough, Chiefs delivering the final blow, 26-24.