31/12/2025
YEAR END ONE DAY VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE CLASHED IN MATARLING
On December 29, 2025, the FLYING ACES NEW GEN. of Matarling conducted Year-End One-Day Volleyball League (ODL) at the Matarling Covered Court. This ODL involved volleyball enthusiasts coming from Isabela City, Lantawan, and Maluso to bond through their common hobby while enjoying the coming year's festive season.
The event begins with a short program, then a strategic grouping procedure to provide a balanced and competitive environment. Players were initially clustered based on their specialization, which includes Open Spikers, Opposite Spikers, Middle Blockers, Liberos, and Setters. The officials applied a "Bunot-Bunot" mechanism in which players draw numbers from one to four depending on their designations, forming a total of four competing teams, which are Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4.
The six-game round-robin competition resulted in Group 4 assertively displaying their dominance by remaining unbeaten. The groups won back-to-back matches against Group 3, Group 1, and Group 2, taking home the Rank 1 seed. The rest of the competition reflected a balanced game, with Group 2 defeating Group 1, Group 3 upsetting Group 2, and Group 1 ultimately getting back on their feet to defeat Group 3. These outcomes then ensured the final rankings by the close of the last game, where the second seed was taken by Group 2, third byGroup 1, and fourth by Group 3. The momentum that had shifted in the middle of the morning event could not change the fact that the winning form of Group 4 made them the favorites to move to the next level.
The game then transitioned into the semifinal round in a knockout format. The top-seeded Group 4 faced off against the fourth-ranked Group 3, while the second-ranked Group 2 battled the third-ranked Group 1. Following intense semifinal action, the "Battle for Bronze" took place, where Group 3 emerged victorious over Group 2 to claim the third-place spot. The highlight of the day was the Championship Match between Group 1 and Group 4. Even when ranked lower in the round robin competition, Group 1 proved exemplary in their perseverance and camaraderie as they won against the favored Group 4 and took home the championship title.
The awarding ceremony recognized both team performances and individual merits. Group 1 hailed as the Champion, followed by Group 4 as the Silver Medalists, Group 3 as the Bronze Medalists, and Group 2 as the Runner-up.
Individual awards were given to a number of players who performed exceptionally well during the event.
• Best Setter - Jayce Hasim
• Best Open Spiker - James Andrei Magaso
• Best Opposite Spiker - Ahron Dindin
• Best Middle Blocker - Adzman Antonio Palong
• Best Server - Sukrie Hamjalang
• Best Receiver - Musimar Asanji
• MVP - Musimar Asanji
The successful conduct of the ODL was a testament to the spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship. The atmosphere remained peaceful and joyful throughout the day, with all teams prioritizing fair play. This successful ex*****on was supported by the generosity of sponsors Sir Kim Ramillano, Sir Abubakar Sajiron, Sir Jestoni Cordovin, and Sir Jhon Roderick Tolentino, who provided snacks for all participants.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Barangay Captain of Matarling, Hon. Diomedes Ramos, for the use of the Matarling covered court, and to the officiating team composed of Mr. Rolen Labor, Mr. Jhon Roderick Tolentino, Mr. Abubakar Sajiron, and Mr. Noel Maculi.
Special recognition is given to The Flying Aces for their meticulous event preparation and to the Event Coordinator, Mr. Rolen Labor, whose initiative and major sponsorship of the cash prizes and certificates made this event a reality.
But most of all, we thank the players for their determination to make the 2025 Year-End ODL one truly memorable close to the year.
via | Noel Maculi Ignacio
photos and lay-out | Noel Maculi Ignacio
