_2025_05_18_12_01_15.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Frelwin Taculog delivers with double-double as EAC sweeps LPU
NCAA
By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News
Frelwin Taculog continued to be the bright spot in Emilio Aguinaldo College's tough journey in NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball, steering his side to a morale-boosting 25-21, 25-21, 25-21 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University on Sunday at the EAC Sports and Cultural Center in Manila.
The 22-year-old outside spiker delivered with a double-double outing of 17 points anchored on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace together with 22 receptions as the Generals improved to 5-10.
Despite the win, though, EAC, last year's runner-up, is already out of contention.
Still, the Generals are making sure to give their best in every game.
That was the case against the Pirates, where EAC didn't leave any stone unturned as they shattered a 6-all deadlock with Taculog capping a 7-3 rampage with a strong ace, giving the Generals a 13-9 cushion.
Joshua Olivo then smashed one from the left wing to make it a 16-12 advantage before EAC's net defense punished LPU after Taculog secured a rejection to extend their lead to 20-15.
Middle blocker Michael Gela then notched two consecutive blocks to deliver the match point at 24-20 before Jun Edang provided some life to the struggling LPU, 21-24.
Olivo's cross-court attack was initially called beyond the line, but a ball in/ball out challenge by the Generals was called successful as EAC completed the sweep win.
Olivo and Gela both tallied 13 points while Kenenth Catiancila chipped in eight markers.
Edang, who missed their previous game against San Beda, returned and led the way for LPU with 19 points and four digs.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


GMA Network
15 hours ago
- GMA Network
Brian Esquibel, architect of Letran's 2009 title, brings Knights back to finals
By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News In 2009, Brian Esquibel built a dynasty when he guided Colegio de San Juan de Letran to its third straight NCAA men's volleyball title. Now, he has rekindled that winning fire, steering the new generation of Knights back to the finals after a lengthy 16-year absence. Letran did it the hard way. The Knights overcame an up-and-down Season 100 campaign that eventually led to a Final Four ticket as they finished at the fourth spot. They also had to face top-seeded De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Final Four with the Blazers armed with a twice-to-beat advantage. The Knights, though, refused to back down as they stormed from that disadvantage and stunned the Blazers in back-to-back games to advance to the finals. "Actually, isa ako sa mga coaching staff that time way back 2009, when we got the grand slam. Siguro isa na rin ito sa mga naging motivations namin na kailangan naming makabalik sa finals kasi for how many years, 'yung Letran nando'n 'yung ups and downs," Esquibel told GMA News Online on Friday. "Hindi natin makuha 'yung tamang composition ng team so ngayon, hopefully, makabalik and gagawin namin 'yung best namin lalong-lalo na kaming coaching staff para tulungan 'yung team." Esquibel has seen the highs and the lows of the Letran program. He entered the squad in 2003 as a trainer before becoming one of the deputies to help propel the Knights to a pair of titles in Season 83 and 84. In 2008, he was promoted to head coach and played a pivotal role in guiding the school to its third championship, completing the historic grand slam. The following years were marked with challenges as the Knights failed to make it to the finals again — until now. The Knights pulled off a dramatic 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 25-20 win in the do-or-die match against Blazers behind Bembem Bautista and Vince Himzon. "Gusto kong i-commend 'yung team kasi ando'n pa rin 'yung teamwork, hindi nawala kahit na naunahan kami nu'ng first set. 'Yung pressure na-handle nila, that's why naipanalo 'yung Game 2 and now aakyat na sa finals match this Sunday," Esquibel added. "Hopefully, madala nila 'yung pagiging masaya inside the court kasi ayon 'yung isang key, kahit na lamang 'yung kalaban nag-e-enjoy lang sila, walang pressure and na-overcome nila 'yung malalakas na palo ng kalaban." Letran will face Arellano University in the best-of-three finals which will open on Sunday noon. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
_2025_06_06_15_52_53.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Letran topples Benilde, returns to NCAA men's volleyball finals after 15 seasons
NCAA Colegio de San Juan de Letran toppled twice-to-beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 25-20, in the do-or-die match of the NCAA men's volleyball Final Four to return to the finals after 15 seasons. The Knights last appeared in the finals in Season 85 in 2009 when they completed a three-peat. After two tight sets, the Intramuros-based squad dominated the Blazers, leading as much as 21-9 in the third set before claiming the said frame. In the third set alone, the Knights had 14 attacks against Benilde's nine points, while the former only had four errors against the latter's seven. In the fourth set, Letran had an early 8-3 lead before Benilde caught up, 11-9. The Blazers inched closer, 18-17, but Vince Himzon ignited Letran's late rally to claim the victory. Rocky Roy Motol's attack went outside to hand Letran a three-point advantage but a Jacob Herrera attack gave a glimmer of hope for Benilde. Bembem Bautista then scored back-to-back for Letran but a running attack from John Austero stopped the bleeding for Benilde. Bautista then closed the match for Letran as he made the Knights' final three points en route to his 27-point eruption. "Very overwhelming 'yung nangyari kasi 'yung kalaban natin talagang dinominate nila ang first and second round. Kami bilang challenger, sabi ko sa mga bata, hindi dapat matapos ang Season 100 nang wala tayong napatunayan," Letran head coach Brian Esquibel said in the broadcast. Bautista had 24 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Vince Himzon had 18 points as the Knights secured the first finals spot. Mike Balbacal and Raymark Betco had 15 points apiece, while Motol had 13 points, with James Marasigan adding 10 points for the Blazers. Letran will face the winner of the do-or-die match between the twice-to-beat Mapua Cardinals and the Arellano Chiefs. Game 1 of the finals will be on Sunday. —JKC, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Roger Gorayeb joins Strong Group Athletics as volleyball consultant
Decorated volleyball coach Roger Gorayeb has been tapped by Strong Group Athletics as a consultant for its girls' and women's volleyball programs. The group announced the development on Thursday, days after Capital1 appointed Gorayeb as consultant of the Solar Spikers as Jorge de Brito took over the head coaching job. According to SGA, Gorayeb will provide mentorship to student-athletes of teams backed by the organization such as the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA, and the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP. 'Masaya ako kasi mayroon pa palang nagtitiwala sa akin,' Gorayeb said in a statement. 'Sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi hindi ako mawawala sa volleyball. Passion ko talaga magturo ng mga bata. Super saya.' SGA added Gorayeb is with the organization 'for as long as he can mentor our athletes." 'His wealth of experience and championship pedigree will be an incredible asset to all our teams, both on and off the court," Strong Group Volleyball head Kiara Cruz said. In NCAA Season 100, Gorayeb's San Sebastian women's squad finished 7th with a record of eight wins and ten losses. —JKC, GMA Integrated News