USPF, SWU stay clean in volleyball tilt

CEBU, Philippines - The CDO Idol Cheese Hotdog/ University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and the R. Lapid’s Chicharon/Southwestern University (SWU) stayed undefeated after two days of action in the inaugural CESAFI Partner’s Cup volleyball tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

In the women's division, defending champion USPF of coach Jordan Paca went through a tough battle before fending off Aerosol Lion-Tiger/USC in three sets, 25-21, 25-22, 30-28.

“We had a great fight against USC. I’m just glad that I still have Ericka (Verano) who really spearheaded their victory,” said Paca.

The R. Lapid’s Chicharon/SWU, on the other hand, had an easier assignment in pummeling the Ave Maria Sanctuary Park-sponsored University of San Jose -Recoletos (USJ-R). 25-19, 25-15, 25-18.

Spearheading SWU’s victory were CESAFI beach volley champs Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Lorie May Layno together with Elizabeth Emnace, Rhea Loayon, Aureen Pero and Danalie Baquiro.

USJ-R’s Joy Bonita, Rachelle Hannah Singson, Michelle Simbajon and rookies Mona Dubduban, Abegail Praca and Mytha Padillo tried to work hard but they failed to shatter SWU’s prowess.

“They just lack self confidence and aggressiveness inside the court. Well, this would be a good training ground for them since this is their first tournament being rookies,” said Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.

“I just told the girls to avoid errors as much as possible, follow my instructions as well as the pattern on the defenses. I also motivated them to really have self confidence. So far, their performances were so good,” said SWU coach Joreem Yu.

Earlier, the Virginia Premium Corned Beef/Cebu Doctors' University (CDU) had to pass through a five-setter thriller before nailing its first win at the expense of Metro Gaisano/University of the Visayas, 17-25, 25-19, 25-18, 20-25, 15-10.

The likes of Niña Mae Perez, Linette Auza, Kristine Marie Callelero, Kathrine Cemanes, Dania Bercede, Steffi Jane De Gracia, and Catherine Louise Gello-ani vaulted CDU to the hard-earned victory. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)