Baguio College of Technology cemented its dynasty after securing its fourth consecutive women’s volleyball crown in the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League on Saturday at the University of Baguio gym.
The Lady Atoms completed a perfect 9-0 season sweep with a 27-0 set record after a 25-16, 25-16, 25-10 demolition of the University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguars.
Head coach Jun Nisperos, who earned his 11th BBEAL title to take solo second place on the all-time list behind former SLU coach Henry Fuentes, reflected on the program’s remarkable four-year run.
“Nag start yung journey namin nung unang mag champion ang BCT four years ago tapos nag tuloy-tuloy na,” Nisperos said.
While Nisperos said the championship campaign was defined by sacrifice and a grueling training regimen that tested the team’s resolve, they were able to regroup after almost two months of break from the BBEAL as most of the team represented Cordillera region for the National PRISAA.
Team captain Abegail Cunanan added players had to balance the demands of defending a crown with their academics
“Mahirap lalo sa training at kasabay ng academics,” said Cunanan, who earned tournament finals MVP honors and the best setter award after anchoring the offense with 23 excellent sets.
“Sacrifice para makapag-aral at makapagtapos. This year since kami defending champion, gusto talaga namin makuha ulit. Malaking responsibility maging team captain. Dapat ko silang i-guide kung ano gagawin.”
The Lady Atoms also had to reinvent their identity on the court following the departure of one of their top scorer – JJ Polon, with season MVP Hazel Macapinlac, stepping into a much larger role.
“Malaki adjustment after ng pag-alis ni Polon,” said Macapinlac, who also took home the first outside hitter award. “Ginawa namin ang best. Sobrang saya. Di ko i-expect makuha lahat ng award. Sa training kahit nahihirapan nagtiyaga pa rin.”
Nisperos credited the team’s adaptability and sheer work ethic for overcoming the roster vacancy, noting that his players left everything on the court despite being eager to rest.
“Pinakita nila na gusto nilang mag-champion. Puspusan sa naging training kahit umuulan. After ng PRISAA nakapag-bakasyon, pero pinilit na bumalik sa training. One last game para makauwi na, gusto nang magbakasyon,” he said.
Macapinlac backed up her coach’s praise during the match, drilling 18 points on 14 attacks and five service aces.
She set the early pace for the Lady Atoms, who shook off some initial opening-set jitters after trailing 2-0 and 6-4. Following a 6-6 deadlock forced by Kate Binalay, the 5-foot-3 Macapinlac found her rhythm at the service line, scoring five consecutive points to spark a definitive 9-0 run that broke the set wide open.
The Lady Jaguars, making their first finals appearance since 2018 after upsetting second-seeded UB, simply could not keep up with the defending champion despite its spirited rally in all three sets.
Shery Estal was nearly flawless for the Lady Atoms, churning out 13 points on 12 attacks and an ace to claim the first middle blocker award.
Estal credited her performance to her family and her coach’s rigorous expectations.
“Family ang nagsilbing inspiration,” Estal said. “Dahil kay Coach Jun madaming improvement sa laro.”
While uncertainty remains for Estal and Cunanan’s return, the future remains bright for the Lady Atoms with Macapinlac promising to return with rookie of the year Erin Almario.
Other individual accolades handed out after the match included UC’s Rovecielo Junio winning best server and Kimberley Calimquim taking top opposite hitter.
Three University of Baguio players were also recognized in the awards with Shariville Ayawan bagging second outside hitter, Rayanaize Arances taking second middle blocker, and Jhea Ybanez winning best libero. Roderick Osis with a report from Sean Kimrhed Lardizabal | UC Intern
