USPF outlasts SWU in clash of the titans

CEBU, Philippines - The CDO Idol Cheese Hotdog/ University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) went through a five-set thriller before outlasting the equally-tough R. Lapid’s Chicharon/ Southwestern University (SWU) to claim the top spot in the CESAFI Partners’ Cup volleyball tournament yesterday at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The Jordan Paca-mentored CDO/USPF pummeled R. Lapid’s Chicharon/SWU, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-23, 15-7, to complete a six-game elimination round sweep.

SWU of coach Joerem Yu claimed the first set, 25-23, behind the powerful attacks of reigning CESAFI beach volley champs Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Lorie May Layno.

USPF bounced back with aplomb, bombing out SWU in the second frame in convincing fashion, 25-16, behind the efforts of Ericka Camille Verano,Jennielou Fernn Villeguez, Dianne Navaja, Jovi Abil, Honeylyn Ybarita, Amor Pepito and Apple Saraum.

SWU made the necessary adjustments to tame USPF anew in the third set, 25-19, and take a 2-1 lead. Among those who figured prominently in that set win were Gendrauli, Danalie Baquiro, Aureen Pero and Elizabeth Emnace.

The SWU mainstays were staring victory as they led by three points, 23-20, but USPF staged an amazing comeback via a 5-0 to steal the fourth set, 25-23 and forge a deciding set.

That seemed to have lowered the morale of the SWU mainstays as they went ice-cold in the rubbermatch.

In sharp contract, the USPF stalwarts became more aggressive. After posting an 11-7 edge, they finished off SWU with a 4-0 bang.

“SWU is indeed a tough team that is why we had a lot of difficulty in defeating them,” said USPF coach Paca.

In the other game, Lion Tiger Aerosol/ USC secured a semifinal seat after trouncing the Virginia Premium Corned Beef/ Cebu Doctors’ University in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20,25-18.

USC’s triumph was powered by its team captain Jerymie Montalvo together with Chona Gesulga, Anna Krist Capinpin, Niña Irish Cortes and Mary Daylin Escudero.

In today’s crossover semis, USPF clashes with USC at 8 am, while SWU battles Ave Maria Sanctuary Park/University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in the second game at 10 am. The winners will then square off for the championship in the afternoon. -  THE FREEMAN