FOLLOWING A rough exit in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ volleyball semifinals, the UST Junior Golden Spikers opted for understanding over retaliation, viewing the crying gestures made by the NU Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups after the match as an emotional act.
UST was dethroned in a four-set thriller against NUNS, 25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 during a do-or-die semifinals clash on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The loss was stinging for the team’s graduating seniors led by team captain Rainier Lorayes.
Just after the final whistle blew, viral videos showed the Bullpups mocking the emotional España squad with crying gestures.
Despite this, some members of the Junior Golden Spikers — middle blockers Ade Osilaja, Kian Gabriel and Bernard Capuno — chose to accept the apologies issued by the players and the institution.
Capuno attributed the opponent’s behavior to the high stakes of the clash, acknowledging the intense staredowns and swag fest that occurred during the match.
“Nadala lang ng emosyon, kasi during the game, [mga] staredown ang nangyari,” he told The Flame.
(Just carried away by emotions, because during the game, staredowns happened.)
He added that the Bullpups are likely excited about preventing the UST’s title defense bid.
“They won, and they were so happy, plus we were the defending champions, which was the reason why they reacted that way,” Capuno said, who scored 10 markers in the loss.
Gabriel said his team would leave it up to the UAAP and NUNS officials to decide which sanctions would be slapped on the players and coaches involved.
“We will just let those from the higher-ups decide, they know what is right and what is wrong,” he said.
The middle blocker said the Junior Golden Spikers do not hold any grudges and have no plans for any vengeful acts.
“Wala kaming balak na gantihan, wala kaming responsibilidad na gumanti,” he added.
(“We have no intention to retaliate against them; we have no responsibility to do so.”)
Rookie Osilaja said the loss was bittersweet, but also emphasized the power of the sport’s fanbase through their collective criticism.
“We were not affected, but the loss was painful for us… We did not speak,” he said.
“We just let the fans do the talking. We have nothing to do with those comments from the fans,” the rookie added.
Yesterday’s events drew widespread backlash within the volleyball community and its fan base. Among those who reacted to the mockery gestures were UST legend Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Golden Spiker and Alas Pilipinas star Josh Ybañez and teammate Sherwin Umandal.
“[N]a para bang di sanay sa pagkatalo,” Pontillas said.
(“As if they are not used to losing”).
“[T]apang ng mukha ng number 12, kainis!,” Ybanez said, referring to spiker Ezekiel Biscocho, who had 17 points for NUNS.
(“The face of number 12 was boastful, so annoying!”)
Bullpups’ Biscocho, setter Joem Favila and spiker Ronnie Millan issued separate apologies online, saying they were “brought upon by emotions” and the “drive to win.” They vowed to handle their emotions better in the future.
The NUNS issued a formal apology through a statement on Dec. 9.
“This conduct is unacceptable and contradicts the values of respect, humility, and love that NU Nazareth School teaches us to live by every day,” the statement read.
The institution added that internal measures have been taken, including the imposition of sanctions on all players and coaches involved. The statement did not specify what action were carried out to rectify the act.
“We thank the UAAP community for holding us accountable to the standards we expect of ourselves,” NUNS added.
Last season, UST finished off NUNS in two games to snap a seven-year title drought. F – Ezekial Bechaida and Sebastian Amoroso
