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As I sat watching the ALAS Pilipinas face Vietnam in that intense 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup final last Saturday, I couldn't help but reflect on how much Philippine volleyball has evolved since the 2022 NCAA season. Having followed collegiate sports in the Philippines for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand how these young athletes develop into international competitors, and that heartbreaking final against Vietnam perfectly illustrated both our progress and the challenges that remain. The way Vietnam's towering one-two punch of Tranh Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen dominated the net brought back memories of similar matchups during the 2022 NCAA season where height disparities often determined outcomes.

Looking back at the 2022 NCAA standings, the landscape was particularly fascinating with San Beda University finishing atop the rankings with an impressive 14-2 record, followed closely by Colegio de San Juan de Letran at 13-3. What stood out to me that season was how the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA managed to secure third place despite having what many considered a rebuilding year. Their coach, who I've had the pleasure of speaking with on several occasions, implemented a defensive system that somewhat reminded me of what ALAS Pilipinas attempted against Vietnam - though with considerably less success given how Tranh and Nguyen combined for what I'd estimate was around 38 points in that final match. The statistical parallels between collegiate and international play never cease to amaze me, though the level of execution obviously differs dramatically.

The fourth through sixth positions in the 2022 standings created one of the most competitive mid-table battles I've seen in recent NCAA history, with Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, and Mapua University separated by just two games. I remember specifically thinking during that season how this increased competitiveness throughout the league would benefit the national program in the long run. Watching the 2025 AVC final, despite the loss, I saw evidence of this with several former NCAA players making significant contributions. The depth development we witnessed in 2022 appears to be paying dividends now, even if we're still searching for answers against physically imposing opponents like Vietnam.

What struck me as particularly telling about the 2022 season was the performance metrics beyond just wins and losses. San Beda's offense averaged approximately 78.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 70.1 - a defensive efficiency that became their trademark. Letran's approach was more balanced, with what I calculated as a +5.2 point differential that reflected their more methodical style. These foundational elements developed in NCAA play become magnified at the international level, where the margin for error shrinks dramatically. Against Vietnam, ALAS Pilipinas struggled with precisely the kind of systematic execution that championship NCAA teams like San Beda had mastered.

The individual standout performances from the 2022 NCAA season deserve mention too, particularly since several of those players have now progressed to the national team. I recall one specific game where a then-rookie from San Beda delivered what I still consider one of the most complete performances I've seen in collegiate volleyball - 24 points, 12 digs, and 3 blocks against a tough Letran defense. That kind of all-around excellence is exactly what we'll need to develop more of to compete with nations like Vietnam, whose players demonstrated such remarkable versatility in that AVC final. The technical gap isn't as wide as it once was, but the consistency of execution at the highest level remains our biggest challenge.

As the 2022 season progressed toward the playoffs, the stylistic contrasts between the top teams became increasingly pronounced. San Beda's disciplined system versus Letran's explosive transition game created a fascinating championship series that went the full distance. Having covered both games, I can still vividly remember the atmosphere during the decisive third match - the kind of pressure environment that prepares athletes for moments like the AVC final. The composure we saw from the Vietnamese players in crucial moments of that match, particularly from Tranh Thi Thanh Thuy during the second set when ALAS Pilipinas mounted a comeback, exemplified the mental fortitude that championship NCAA teams strive to develop.

Reflecting on both the 2022 NCAA standings and our recent international results, I'm convinced that the foundation for future success is being laid in our collegiate system. The competitive balance we've seen improve over recent seasons, with different programs rising to challenge traditional powers, creates the kind of depth necessary for international competitiveness. While we fell short against Vietnam, the progression from NCAA development to national team contribution appears to be accelerating. The 2022 season specifically produced what I believe will be remembered as a transitional class - athletes who raised both the skill level and competitive standards of Philippine volleyball.

The final standings from 2022 tell a story of gradual improvement across the league, with the overall quality of play noticeably higher than in previous seasons. Teams ranked seventh through tenth showed flashes of excellence despite their positions in the standings, with Emilio Aguinaldo College in particular pulling off what I considered the upset of the season against then-second ranked Letran. These unpredictable outcomes, while frustrating for favorites, actually strengthen the league overall by creating more competitive environments. The resilience developed in these challenging NCAA matches undoubtedly helped several players handle the pressure of international competition like the AVC final.

What stays with me most from analyzing both the 2022 NCAA season and our recent international performances is the clear correlation between collegiate development systems and national team success. The teams that invested in comprehensive training programs, particularly San Beda and Letran that season, produced players who've since made impacts at higher levels. The specific challenges we faced against Vietnam's height and power directly reflect areas where our NCAA system must continue evolving - perhaps emphasizing different physical development approaches or tactical innovations. Having watched Philippine volleyball's journey closely for years, I remain optimistic that the lessons from matches like that AVC final will filter down to collegiate programs, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement. The 2022 NCAA standings represented a stepping stone in this ongoing development, showcasing both our progress and the path forward.