MGCNLCA 14U Volleyball Varsity Clinch Historic 3-Peat in PCYAA Championship
The MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) 14-Under (14U) Volleyball Team cemented its legacy with a third straight Philippine Ching Yuen Athletics Association (PCYAA) Volleyball Aspirants Division title, defeating Saint Jude Catholic School (SJCS) in a thrilling best-of-three finals series at the UNO High School Gym on December 7, 2025. Their championship victory marks a new era of excellence for the New Lifers, who have become the team to beat in the league.
In Game 1 of the finals on November 22, the New Lifers entered the court with their heads held high and set the tone early by overpowering SJCS with a commanding 25–13 victory in the opening set. They carried that momentum into the second set, jumping to an early 3–0 lead, before the Judenites fought back and surged ahead to their biggest lead of the set at 8–17. Player of the Game Kylie Pesengco then delivered several key service aces, sparking a comeback that allowed the New Lifers to edge out the set, 26–24. Riding that momentum into the third set, MGCNLCA withstood a late SJCS push and closed out the match with a 25–21 victory to secure Game 1 of the finals series.
In the opening set of Game 2 on November 29, both teams traded points in a tightly contested battle, with SJCS pulling ahead 17–21 before the New Lifers clawed back to tie it at 21–all. SJCS was the first to reach set point at 24–23, but the New Lifers forced deuce at 24–24 and again at 25–25 before ultimately falling 25–27. In the second set, the New Lifers aimed to mount a comeback with a strong 3–0 lead. However, SJCS gradually gained control, steadily outpacing MGC New Life and taking the set 25–20. The third set was just as tight as the first, with both teams exchanging points and trading leads throughout. The New Lifers were the first to reach set point at 24–23, but the Judenites forced deuce at 24–all and eventually sealed the set and the match with a 26–24 victory, capturing Game 2 and evening the finals series.
Wanting to bounce back from their previous loss, the New Lifers came out firing in Game 3. The first set was tight at the start, with both teams trading points until MGCNLCA surged ahead 10–8 behind Mikaela Beatrice Mancilla’s powerful serves. Riding their early surge, the New Lifers controlled the remainder of the set, closing it out decisively at 25–11. In the second set, the New Lifers took control early, with everyone chipping in—from floor defense to attacks. Their teamwork and on-court chemistry shone as they built a steady lead, closing out the set 25–17 on a service ace from Team Captain Anya Chong. The third set began with the New Lifers down 0–3, but a drop attack from Annalia Eve Hui stopped SJCS’s early run. The Judenites tried to stay ahead, but MGCNLCA tied it at 6–6 and then took off with powerful, well-placed hits, pulling away to win the set and match 25–17.
Chong reflected on the thrilling victory, saying, “I’m really proud of how this season turned out, especially the last game. After our second-game loss, I was constantly reminding myself that everything happens according to God’s plan and His perfect timing. Now, I can see that it was truly all for a reason; this third game wouldn’t have been possible without that setback. This was the first game that I could really see the team’s fire and determination to win. We were all working as one, supporting each other on every play, and putting the team above individual effort.”
Chong was named Player of the Game for Game 3, showcasing her leadership and dominance as she helped carry the team to victory. Both Chong and Zofia Gabrielle Tuazon were recognized in the tournament’s Mythical Six for their outstanding performances, with Chong ultimately crowned as Most Valuable Player.