Opening Day Dominance Sets the Tone for 2025 PG Flex-UCAL Season 8
The 2025 PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 got off to a blazing start on Tuesday, October 14, as University of Batangas (UB) and Immaculada Concepcion College (ICC) announced their intent to defend their titles with convincing victories at the UB Millennium Gym in Batangas City. A packed crowd witnessed UB unleash a well-balanced attack against Centro Escolar University (CEU), while ICC’s Lady Blue Hawks showcased depth and power en route to a dramatic comeback win against PCU-Dasmariñas.
UB Brahmans Impress Early, Dominate UCAL Rivalry
UB wasted little time asserting control in the men’s matchup against the CEU Scorpions, rolling to comfortable sets of 25-18, 25-20, 25-17. The Brahmans leaned on the complementary brilliance of two standout attackers, Christian Briones and Prince Ramirez. Ramirez delivered 13 points on 12 attacks and a service ace, providing the spark UB needed to establish momentum throughout the match.
Briones, meanwhile, earned Player of the Game honors thanks to his versatility. He totaled 13 excellent sets, paired with five points on a mix of attacks, an ace, and a block. His court vision and timely hits complemented Ramirez’s aggressive attack style, helping UB stitch together runs that put CEU on the defensive early and kept the Scorpions from mounting a sustained counterpunch.
For fans following the UB program’s chase of back-to-back titles, the opening win offered a reminder of the Brahmans’ depth and execution across positions. It also laid down a reminder that UB’s offense will rely on smart distribution and timely power rather than a single-shot hero.
ICC Lady Blue Hawks Take Flight in a Five-Set Thriller
In the distaff bracket, ICC opened with a statement win against PCU-Dasmariñas, overcoming a 0-2 hole to secure a comeback triumph, 21-25, 16-25, 25-20, 26-14, 15-10. The Lady Blue Hawks found rhythm late, driven by Gio Devosora’s explosive 28-point performance on 24 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces. Her dynamic scoring, paired with solid contributions at the net and from the backline, proved pivotal as ICC flipped the script in the fourth and fifth sets.
Jehiel Moraga also shined for ICC, scoring 12 points with three blocks and an ace, underscoring the team’s balanced approach. The episode demonstrated the Lady Blue Hawks’ ability to absorb early pressure and convert momentum into a late-match push when it mattered most, a hallmark of seasoned title-contenders.
Other Opening-Day Highlights Across the Event
While UB and ICC grabbed the headlines, other teams also started strong on Day 1. On the women’s side, CEU, Olivarez College, and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas posted wins, signaling a competitive field. In the men’s division, Manila Central University and LPU-Batangas recorded victories, suggesting the early stages of a bustling race for the podium.
Notable Performances and Supporting Cast
Beyond the top scorers, several players contributed crucial stretches that guided their teams toward victory. In the CEU-UB clash, Lourdes Cinco’s 19 points for CEU kept the match closely contested in stretches, though UB’s depth ultimately prevailed. On the LPU-Batangas side, Lovelee Hernandez added 14 points in a hard-fought win against Philippine Women’s University, underscoring the quality spread across squads this season.
Looking Ahead
With opening-day momentum establishing expectations, coaches will be calibrating lineups, defensive schemes, and serving pressure as the PG Flex-UCAL season progresses. Expect UB and ICC to leverage their early-season form as a baseline for how they plan to defend their titles, while rivals will search for adjustments that can tilt upcoming matchups in their favor.
