ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) — Both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams of the university emerged as the overall champions of the recently concluded Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Inter-School Volleyball Tournament, this year.
Head coach of ZPPSU Men’s Volleyball Team, Mr. Kerwin Francisco, expressed greatness for having the first-ever Zamboanga Hermosa championship title for the team amidst pressures and too many expectations.
“This is a historic moment for the ZPPSU MVT as we proudly brought home the very first Hermosa Trophy. This triumph is not just about winning a championship; it is about resilience, growth, and the unbreakable spirit of the athletes who refused to settle for less,” Mr. Francisco stressed.
In the women’s category, the ZPPSU also received gold medals and stood out among the other competing teams from the different places within the region, serving this as a wonderful experience for the further improvement of the team.
“As the head coach, this is also an initial assessment for me to make some small adjustments as the MASTS Games 2025 is fast approaching. We need to learn from our mistakes and make some improvements in the given timeframe,” Dr. Sammy Paringit Jr. said.
Further, key players of the teams have also taken their respective individual awards.
For Men’s Category
Best Setter: Mr. Erwin Dave Javier
Best Blocker: Mr. Dexter Sabturani
Best Middle Attacker: Mr. John Laurence Lubiano
Best Server: Mx. Nicko Hermenegildo
Best Libero: Mx. Berfrancis Castillo
Most Valuable Player: Mx. Juniel Sioting
Best Coach: Mr. Kerwin Francisco
For Women’s Category
Most Valuable Player: Ms. Cherie Mae Rebollos
Best Blocker: Ms. Kylie Marie Adoriano
Best Middle Spiker: Ms. Darly Fidel
Best Open Hitter: Ms. Angel Cuevas
Best Libero: Ms. Jaymie Bernardo
Best Setter: Ms. Kate Ramos
Best Coach: Dr. Sammy Paringit Jr.
The coaches remained constant to bring out the best of the student-athletes, and in gratitude for playing all-out and passionately.
“To the teams, I would like to say thank you for showing confidence and braveness during the competition. Your sacrifices and willingness to learn is a manifestation of greatness and perseverance in your chosen craft,” Dr. Paringit added.
The ZPPSU is set to compete in various local and national sports competitions this year.
“To my athletes, last year, we stood proud with silver, and this year, you turned that fire into Gold. Thank you for writing history with your hard work and heart. I am beyond proud to be your coach!” Mr. Francisco exclaimed. (JRA/ABC/Photos by: JMDL, Mr. Kerwin Francisco, Dr. Sammy Paringit/Public Information Office)