CV winds up with 6 volleyball golds

MANILA , Philippines —The University of San Jose Recoletos-manned Central Visayas spikers upended their last year's tormentor Western Visayas in a grueling five-set battle to claim the men's volleyball championship of the 1st Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 2010 National Games yesterday at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) gym here.

USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua thrashed Western Visayas, represented by Iloilo Doctors' College, 25-16, 19-25, 22-25, 25-11, 17-15, to nail its fourth national title since the National PRISAA Games in1997, 2000 and 2001.

Reigning Nestea Fit Beach Volley national champion Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos spearheaded USJ-R's triumphant quest with the able support of Jesriel Pino, Ken Boyd Abunda, Jacky Yrog-irog , Leoniel Sanchez, Kevin Casia and Jason Uy.

Pino was hailed as the Most Valuable Player and the best blocker. Tipgos and Uy took the best attacker and best libero awards, respectively.

RJ Silva, Jan Manalili, James Lawas and Jade Dionson also contributed to the team’s six-gold haul in the event.

Carumba, Yrog-irog and Silva broke into tears of joy after the game because they were not expecting that they woul claim the title before they will leave the portals of their school since they’ll be graduating this March.

“They were able to manage the game well even though during the deciding set, it was very crucial already since it was a see-saw battle. They executed their plays accurately using both strength and proper mind-set while playing. Lastly, their exemplary teamwork was their key to victory,” said Antigua, who was also named as the Best Coach.

In the distaff side, the Southwestern University-powered CV belles were not as lucky as they fell prey to Calabarzon, comprised of La Salle-Dasmariñas players, also in five sets, 18-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-5, at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

“They had a good showing in the first two sets even in the earlier part of the third set but their opponents were determined. There were a lot of miscommunication and reception errors. But its okay, at least the girls did their best, maybe it's not yet our time to win,” said Yu.

Danika Gendrauli and Amor Pepito were SWU's consolation as they received the best receiver and best libero awards.

In women’s basketball, the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors could only settle for a silver as they lost to the University of National Capital Region, 71-56, in the final played at the PhilSports Arena.           

In table tennis, University of Cebu's crown paddlers, Jennifer Jacalan and Candy Babalcon contributed two bronzes in women’s doubles.   (FREEMAN NEWS)