USC belles stun USPF in five-set thriller SWU also stays unbeaten after five games in CESAFI women's volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors came up with a breakout performance as they survived a five-thriller against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) to stay unbeaten after five games in the women's division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball competition yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.

The Norvie Labuga-mentored Carolinians got off to a flying start, sweeping the first two sets with the scores of 25-20 and 25-21 behind the power attacks of Akemi Aono, Jerymie Montalvo, Suzette Panis, Niña Irish Cortes, Mangie Villaflores and Chona Gesulga.

USPF, however, came out strong in the third set with Erika Camille Verano, Apple Eve Saraum, Dianne Navaja, Amor Pepito and Jovi Abil on the firing end. The Lady Panthers eventually succeeded in getting back at USC via a 25-15 decision.

After a tightly-knit duel in the fourth set, USPF prevailed, 26-24, to forge a rubbermatch.

In the deciding set, USC's teamwork and determination mattered most on the way to wrapping up the match in convincing fashion, 15-10.

“We did not expect this outcome knowing that USPF is a tough team since they were former champions. But what my players have shown inside the court is a proof that they had improved a lot and hopefully they will be able to sustain this kind of performance all the way,” said Labuga.

USC claimed its fifth straight win at the expense of the University of the Visayas (UV), 25-21, 25-20, 25-15.

USC, thus, joined reigning champion Southwestern University (SWU) of coach Jordan Paca on top of the leaderboard with identical 5-0 slates. SWU claimed University of Cebu (UC) as its latest victim 25-14, 25-7, 26-24.

On the other hand, USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua assured itself of a semifinal berth after crushing Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU), 26-28, 23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 15-5 and UV 30-28, 25-9, 22-25, 25-14.

USPF though did not go home empty-handed as it pummeled UC in straight sets, 25-15, 25-11, 25-11. (THE FREEMAN)