WHILE the likes of UAAP standouts Josh Ybañez and Peter Torres have long exuded on-court swag in the college volleyball scene, both also understand that such competitive fire comes with boundaries.
So when several NU–Nazareth School players were seen taunting their opponents after the Bullpups’ 25–22, 25–19, 23–25, 26–24 victory vs. University of Santo Tomas in the Season 88 boys’ volleyball Final Four, the sport's stalwarts did not hold back in calling out the behavior.
Torres, a former National U standout himself, minced no words towards his fellow Jhocson aces.
“Trash talking and taunting during the game is understandable, but this is not okay. Sorry UST,” he wrote, addressing the viral post-match video that showed celebratory gestures made directly toward the defeated Tiger Cubs.
Ybañez, star of UST's senior squad and libero of Alas Pilipinas Men, echoed the sentiment and singled out one Bullpup involved in the incident, spiker Kiel Biscocho, who wore jersey No. 12.
“Tapang ng mukha ng #12, kainis,” Ybañez said, expressing his frustration over the apparent disrespect.
Other sporting stars who spoke up were Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Noel Kampton, and John Vic de Guzman, who collectively described the behavior as disappointing and unbecoming of young athletes preparing to ascend to higher levels of the sport.
NUNS takes action
As the Tiger Cubs collapsed in tears after their season-ending defeat, gloating gestures from the winning side ignited sharp criticism.
Among those identified leading unsportsmanlike behavior along with Biscocho were setter Joem Favila and spiker Ronnie Millan.
All three players have since released public apologies through their personal social-media accounts, expressing shared regret for their actions.
In an official statement, the school condemned its student-athletes' actions, describing them as 'unacceptable and contradicting the values of respect, humility, and love NU-Nazareth School teaches us to live by every day.'
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The institution added it had already met with players and coaches involved, imposed appropriate sanctions, and bolstered its formation and character-development programs to reinforce proper conduct in competitive settings.
Despite the backlash, NUNS must now refocus on its title chase, as it shoots for a sixth boys’ volleyball crown in a best-of-three championship series against 14-time champion University of the East.
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