Minerva McGonagall
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL: Campus journalists from the Division of Leyte gather around keynote speaker Patricia C. Moreto during the Mini-Press Conference of ASPC ’26 held on November 13, 2025, in San Isidro, Leyte. Photo by Albus Dumbledore.
Exhilarate, Intoxicate, Galvanize
In a high-octane match, Akeisha Rayos, Faith Zafra, Ashley Lasorata from Golden Eagle shows a prodigious attack over All-Star lead by Edsell Sarsosa, Nino Luche and John Mark Ballermo that action-packed in Sepak Takraw Exhibition Game held in Tabango North Central School Gymnasium, on December 16, Golden Eagle showcased an incredible girls teamwork leaving boys in awe, (15-11, 6-15, 15-13).
High-flying clash, Faith Zafra started strong after John Mark Ballermo showcased a smooth kick goes to ace in the early match , capitalizing on powerful spikes and well-coordinated defense, Zafra and Rayos delivered a series of acrobatic spikes, putting pressure between Luche and Ballermo in defense, despite the team All-Star resilience, Golden Eagle secured the score in the first set, 15-11.
Back-in-forth affair, three boys from All-Star team came roaring back, with their setter Ballermo showcasing exceptional serves and tekong roled by Luche executing a series of precise blocks, the set was neck-and-neck in the middle of the game, however, Rayos and Zafra try to catch back by their incredible headshot but All-Star edged out Golden Eagle in a dramatic finish, forcing a deciding set, 6-15.
During the third set from both regu efforts, it was a battle of nerves and endurance, Rayos and Lasorata adjusted their strategy against boy setter Ballermo, focusing on quick setups and precise placements, Rayos once again rose to the occasion, scoring crucial points with powerful spikes, even All-Star team fought valiantly but faltered under the relentless pressure, as Golden Eagle clinched the final thrilling set, 15-13.
“It was a tough game, but we stayed focused and executed our game plan. This victory means a lot to us because I love this sport,” Ashley Lasorata said as the setter in the Golden Eagle team.
“I actually started playing this game when I was in my childhood. It motivates me a lot rather than any sports competition,” she added.
” I’m very proud and happy for both of them by taking the game seriously even though it is only an exhibition game. They are still my class in this sport,” coach Eduardo Labra, who is also a teacher in Marcelino R. Veloso National High School.
“We fought hard and tiring, but small mistakes cost us. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” John Mark Ballermo from All-Star setter said after the match.
This win boosts the Golden Eagle’s position in the ultimate exhibition game while All-Star faces a must-win situation in their next match to stay in contention.
The clash between Golden Eagle girls and All-Star boys was a masterclass in sepak takraw, with both teams leaving it all on the court. Fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to their next encounter. This was a true testament to the beauty and excitement of sepak takraw. Both players’ dedication and passion for the sport were evident in every point.
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