USJ-R bows out of Shakey's V-League

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars crashed out of the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 after suffering their third straight loss at the hands of the Ateneo Lady Eagles yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Eagles rolled off to a hot start, whipping the Lady Jaguars in the first two sets, 25-17, 25-18, behind the formidable plays of Thai import Sontaya Keawbundit, Fille Cainglet, Charo Soriano, Dzi Gervacio and Jem Ferrer.

At the start of the third set, however, the Lady Jaguars seemed to have developed their confidence level as they showed surprising defense from Abegail Praca and imports Michiko Castañeda and Michelle Simbajon.

It was the powerful attacks of Rachel Hanna Singson, Mary Joy Bonita and Castañeda that enabled the Lady Jaguars to forge a 24-all deadlock.

But that was the best USJ-R could muster as Ateneo sealed the next two points courtesy of Keawbundit and Cainglet.

“Even if we lost to Ateneo, the girls showed impressive performances. They were able to give Ateneo a tough fight especially in the third set where we almost won," said USJ-R coach Grace Antigua.

The victory pushed Ateneo into the quarterfinal round alongside Lyceum and Adamson University.

USJ-R will close its campaign against Lyceum on April 29. – THE FREEMAN