USJ-R, USPF set up grudge final rematch

CEBU - The University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) disposed off separate foes to set up a grudge final rematch of sort in the women’s division of the 8th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos gym.

The USJ-R belles of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua pummeled the University of San Carlos in straight sets, 3-0, to shore up their campaign of an unprecedented fourth straight CESAFI championship.

Team captain Genie Sabas stoked the early offensive fire as USJ-R took the first set, 25-20.

In the second set, USC sets the pace behind the good plays of Kim Ybañez, Jeremy Montalvo and Rachel Cumba, but Cristy Aina Laroga rallied with five straight points to point USJ-R on top for good, 19-16. In that stretch, however, USJ-R’s had to be taken out of the game after spraining his left ankle.

That did not damp the spirits of the USJ-R mainstays as they went to end the second set, 25-21.

A see-saw battle ensued in the early goings of the third session, but former RP Youth member Michelle Simbajon suddenly breathe fire to spearhead a game-ripping rally of 10 points to give the USJ-R a commanding 20-10 advantage. Credit also goes to Rachel Hannah Singson and Sabas whose porous defensive stand found it difficult for the Carolinians to counter-attack.

USC put up a courageous fightback, but USJ-R did not give them any chance by to recover. The Jaguars closed the match with a 25-20 victory in the third set.

On the other hand, the Jordan Paca-mentored USPF routed then Southwestern University (SWU), 25-23, 25-12 and 25-18 courtesy of the powerful attacks of Ericka Camille Verano, Harlene and Honeylen Ybarita, and Apple Seraum.

SWU’s attackers in Lorie Mae Layno, Elizabeth Emnace, Ma. Luilyn Paciño and former USPF member Danika Yolanda Gendrauli all fumbled in destroying the mighty defense of the USPF stalwarts.

Thus, USPF arranged a titular showdown   with USJ-R for the second straight year, while SWU now seeks for the third place honors against USC.- THE FREEMAN