CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras had a bad start as they bowed to Lyceum University in their opening assignment of the Shakey’s V-League at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City, Manila.
Lyceum, which lost to SWU last year, started hot as they took the first set, 25-21, behind MVP Jean Balse and Dahlia Cruz.
The Lady Cobras, however, bounced back in the second set with a hard-earned 27-25 thriller, behind the powerful attacks of mainstays Danika Gendrauli, Princess Pido and Danna Baquiro along with its reinforcement in University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Erika Camille Verano and former collegiate star Kenneth Garces.
Seemingly surprised by SWU’s second set win, Lyceum never allowed SWU to score again as they came raging in the third set, 25-18 and making it all the way to the 25-17 triumph in the last set.
“They were indeed tough!” said SWU head coach Jordan Paca. “The girls had tried their best but Lyceum was a tough opponent, though I was glad that we were able to take one set against them but still we failed in beating them. We need to double our efforts in our next matches,” he added.
SWU is grouped with Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University and San Sebastian and they will take on FEU in their next match.
Last year, SWU tapped the services of Thai Piyatida Lasungnern to beef up the team.
However, the team encountered communication problems and they ended up seventh in the overall standing. (FREEMAN)