USPF dethrones Pajo in Shakey's Girls V-League

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) volleybelles ended their two-year drought in style, dethroning two-time champion Pajo National High School (PNHS) in straight sets, 3-0, to rule the Cebu eliminations of the 7th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League yesterday at the Brgy. Sambag 1 Sports Complex.

Despite fielding in new players, the Jordan Paca-mentored USPF made an impressive start and took the first set by storm, 25-12, behind the stellar plays of team captain Jinky Garridos, Cyd Demecillo, Charie Mae Liaz, Maria Niña Fernandez, Sheena Quiño and Shyrra Cabriana.

In the second set, the Pajo belles of Fr. Ronaldo T. Manayon tried to get even and indeed succeeded in putting up a close fight.

USPF, however, fought a decisive game, never allowing its foe to snatch the driver's set although Pajo threatened at 21-23.

Pajo's Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez, Marjorie Coloscos and Grethel Soltones could only afford two more points for the team as USPF made it all the way to a 25-23 finish.

In the third set, Pajo seemed to have lost desire to mount a big comeback and USPF made the most out of the opportunity to seal the deal, 25-12.

“Even if the team was composed mostly of new players, they were able to give a good performance and they had the determination to beat PNHS. I was not expecting that they would show great executions of their plays, which led them to a lopsided victory,” said Paca.

“Our intense practices paid off. I always advised them to improve their weaknesses especially on ground defense, reception, first touch and blocking. The seniors were the once encouraging and helping the new players on what’s needed to be done. Teamwork was very visible during their game against PNHS,” Paca added.

Interestingly, USPF held the title for four consecutive years until Pajo took over in 2008.

With the win, USPF earned a ticket to the 7th Shakey’s Girls V-League National Finals billed as “Tournament of Champions” slated on May 18-23 in Tacloban City.

In the battle for third place, Don Gerardo Ouano Memorial National High School (DGOMNHS) of coach Dindo Alilin went through a three-setter thriller before fending off the University of San Carlos (USC), 25-18, 21-25, 27-25. -  THE FREEMAN