KOBLERVILLE Elementary School 1 bagged its fourth consecutive championship in the co-ed elementary division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 on Saturday by trouncing San Vicente Elementary School 1, 21-4, at the Oleai Sports Complex.
KOB 1 was simply unmatched in skill as its players worked as a unit with strong defensive coverage paired with precision returns. They shined brightest from behind the serving line, scoring a series of aces to quickly secure a double-digit lead.
The only break SVS 1 had came when KOB 1 committed an unforced error, but overall, KOB 1’s performance was nearly flawless as it triumphed, 21-4.
On its road to the finale, KOB 1 first defeated Mount Carmel School, 21-11, then took down William S. Reyes Elementary School 1, 21-17 in the semifinals.
KOB 1’s players are James Defang, Tickson Cosmes, Nolan Mallens, Julian Yamada, Liam Duenas, Jesus Cabrera, Isabel Borja, Ivory Duenas, Vanicia Mettao, Baylyn Mansfield, Renita Wabol, Delores Okoruru and Rebecca Alvarado. Their head coach is Francis Mendiola, their assistant coach is Angela Ruiz, and their second assistant coach is Erwin Aguirre.
Their sibling team, KOB 2, placed third.
Head coach Francis Mendiola, a 5th grade teacher, said it felt good to win the title four seasons in a row. “We’ve been working on this for the past few months. They have adapted to what their coaches wanted them to do,” he said, referring to his players.
Assistant coach Angela Ruiz, 3rd grade teacher, praised both Koblerville teams. “If we didn’t have the two teams, we wouldn’t be where we are now,” she said, adding that they always “go all-out during practices.”
Second assistant coach Erwin Aguirre, a substitute teacher aide, said this year was “difficult because most of the players are all-around, doing a lot of extracurricular activities.”
He praised the players for putting time into practice, noting that it was the key to victory as they consistently performed drills focused on conditioning and serves, particularly overhand serves.
The Koblerville Elementary School 1 players pose with their championship trophy — their fourth — in the co-ed elementary division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the Oleai Sports Complex on Saturday.
A KOB 1 player connects an underhand serve during the championship game in the co-ed elementary division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the Oleai Sports Complex on Saturday.
A KOB 1 player extends for the bump return during the championship game in the co-ed elementary division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the Oleai Sports Complex on Saturday.
