USPF survives SWU scare in CESAFI volleyball event

CEBU, Philippines - The battle for supremacy became more exciting and unpredictable as defending champion University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) had to pass through a five-set cliffhanger before getting rid of the gritty Southwestern University (SWU) in the women’s division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball competition at the USPF gym.

The Joerem Yu-mentored SWU drew first blood, 25-20, behind the vaunted trio of Lorie May Layno, Danika Gendrauli and Elizabeth Emnace, but USPF bounced back with aplomb in the second frame, 25-17, behind the exemplary performance of reigning Nestea Beach Volley national champions Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum.

USPF wasn’t able to sustain its momentum and flopped down in third set, allowing SWU to take the lead all the way, 25-18.

In the fourth set, SWU was on the verge of victory, but Verano played a hero’s role to power USPF to a 25-23 triumph, thus, the rubbermatch.

In the deciding set, the two protagonists were locked up in an intense battle, so close that they left the spectators holding their breath. After a 14-all deadlock, Verano scored on a powerful attack and the ensuing play Rhea Jean Taculod converted an unexpected service ace to seal USPF’s breath-taking win, 16-14.

“The game was indeed exciting because SWU is a tough opponent. We lack open spikers, wala gyud kaatbang si Erika (Verano) but I’m searching for one now so that it will make the team even more stronger,” said Paca.

Gracious in the face of defeat, Yu said:“It was a game of luck. It was a nobody’s game and we learned from that experience.”

SWU though still has something to cheer for as it blasted USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua in four sets, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-13, to improve its win-loss record to 3-1.

“So far, we still have a big chance of advancing into the semifinals and hopefully we’ll vie for the championships,” said Yu.

“My players still need the heart for every game. They missed a lot of breaks and they needed to have the right way of thinking on what plays should be executed against their opponents,” said Antigua.

The University of San Carlos (USC) of rookie coach Roderick Arenasa, on the other hand, coasted to its third straight victory at the expense of Cebu Doctors’ University of Fr. Rey Manayon, 25-20, 25-14, 26-24.

The University of the Visayas (UV) belles also joined the winners’ podium after crushing CDU in four sets, 12-25, 25-10, 25-23, 25-17. UV’s happiness was cut short though as it fell prey to the University of Cebu in another five-set thriller, 21-25, 26-24, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13.   (FREEMAN NEWS)