USJ-R, USPF book semis slots

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) booked semifinal tickets after the elimination of CESAFI volleyball.

USJ-R and USPF are both toting a 6-0 card after their last assignments yesterday at the USPF gym.

USJ-R, the reining men’s champions, under the tutelage of Coach Grace Antigua dropped the third set but outlasted the University of San Carlos (USC) 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20.

“I’m glad that they were able to make it and it was indeed a good gift from them for me. I just hope that we will be able to win tomorrow (today) in the semi-finals. I just told them to strive hard and show teamwork so that they will be able to give their opponents a good game,” said Antigua.

Lurking under the shadow of USJ-R is the University of the Visayas (UV) of coach Jonathan Aves. UV took out USPF in five sets 23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 15-10. The win moved UV to second place in the standings.

 In the distaff side, USPF of Jordan Paca topped the women’s bracket and will be facing the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in the crossover semifinals today.

The gritty Southwestern University (SWU) tackles the University of San Carlos (USC) in the second game.

All the semifinal matches will be played at the USC main campus gym.— Marigold P. Lebumfacil