HAU Golden Guardians bowed out of the 23rd NAASCU volleyball tournament, as the men’s team suffered a straight-sets loss to the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dolphins, while the Lady Guardians delivered a dominant straight-set victory over the New Era University (NEU) Lady Hunters at the PCU Gymnasium, April 17.

In a non-bearing match, the men of HAU absorbed a three-set loss against PCU, 18–25, 15—25, 24—25, ending their elimination round with a 2–4 record.

PCU dictated the pace early in the first set, though the Guardians showed flashes of their offensive power as outside hitter Joshua Nuevo and libero Lucky Manabat worked the ball through the opponent’s defense, while Kean Mariano and Japp Turla combined for a clean block.

The team, however, struggled to sustain its momentum as PCU capitalized on errors, allowing the Dolphins to secure the set, 18—25.

Attempting to respond in the second set, outside hitter Arkie Manangan provided early offense to keep the score level at 3—3, but the Guardians were unable to contain PCU’s scoring run, conceding the set at 15—25.

The Golden Guardians showed their strongest resistance in the third set, with a defensive save from Manangan and a set from Eoue Tongio, allowing the team to a 3—2 edge.

HAU maintained control through the middle stretch, closing a long rally to take a 12—10 lead over PCU.

Within reach of extending the match, the Golden Guardians built a 24—20 advantage and reached set point against the Dolphins.

However, they were unable to close out the frame as PCU mounted a late rally, overtaking HAU to claim the set, 24—26.

In an interview, Team Captain Lucky Manabat pointed to composure and unforced errors as the deciding factors of their struggle to sustain momentum.

“May strong starts kami sa ilang rallies, and at times nagagawa namin yung mga pinagtrainan namin, pero nahirapan kami i-sustain yung level na yun throughout the match,” the player shared. 

“During crucial points, minsan nawawala yung composure namin, which led to unforced errors na usually hindi naman namin nagagawa,” Manabat added.

The team captain noted that these small lapses disrupted the team’s momentum and confidence, especially in tightly contested moments where every point mattered.

On the women’s side, HAU Lady Guardians responded with a commanding performance, sweeping NEU, 25—16, 25—20, 25—14, to close their elimination round with a 3—3 win-loss record.

The Lady Hunters opened the first set with the initial point, but the Lady Guardians quickly took control behind consistent attack plays.

Halfway through the set, the team established an 11—8 lead, with opposite hitter Princess Viray providing a strong offensive pressure through multiple spikes, and stretched the advantage to 14–9. 

Maintaining control on both offense and defense, the women’s team closed the first set, 25—16.

Carrying its momentum in the second set, the women of HAU established a dominant 16—7 lead. 

NEU attempted a late rally, trimming the gap to 23–20, but HAU responded immediately with a crucial attacking point to reach match point at 24–20. Setter and spiker Leona Perez then sealed the set for HAU with a service ace, 25—20.

In the third set, the Lady Guardians remained in control, pulling ahead early at 11–6. HAU extended its lead further behind tough offense attacks, with middle blocker Sarah Faustino converting a strong spike to push the score, 19—9. 

From there, the women’s team sustained its defensive stops and offensive strikes to keep NEU Hunters from mounting any late resistance. The Lady Golden Guardians steadily extended their lead before eventually sealing the set and the match, 25—14.

Team Captain Leona Perez shared what the win meant for the team, noting that growth is still a work in progress.

“Well, I would say that growth is not based on just one game, but still a process of that certain growth,” Perez said in an interview. 

“As a player, being nervous is an obvious factor for a player to limit their movements and losing their focus… I want them to improve their ability to strengthen their minds and especially heart because every game will be an obstacle for them to overcome,” she added. 

HAU concluded its NAASCU campaign with the men finishing at a 2—4 win-loss record, while the women closed their run at an even 3—3.