USPF outlasts USC in CESAFI Volleyball

MANILA, Philippines - The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers finally barged into the win column after they upended the equally-tough University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors in five sets in the women’s action of the Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament at the Aznar Coliseum.

USPF of coach Thelma Datig started hot, securing the first two sets, 25-21, 25-15, behind the crisp attacks of Apple Eve Saraum, Ailene Singson, Rochelle Rica, Dianne Navaja and Jennielou Villeguez.

Seemingly confident of victory, USPF flirted with complacency in the third set, allowing the Lady Warriors to sweep the next two frames in dominating fashion, 25-15, 25-12, courtesy of Methosheena Bate, Chona Gesulga, Suzette Panis and Akemi Aono.

In the decider, the two protagonists figured in a closely-fought battle resulting into a 13-all deadlock, but USPF fired two consecutive points to seal the deal.

In the other match, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars imporved their win-loss record to 3-1 after they fended off Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) Lady Stallions in straight sets, 25-8, 25-17, 25-15.

In the men’s bracket, the University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers crushed the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) in four sets, 26-24, 25-19, 14-25, 25-22.

In the secondary class, the USPF Baby Panthers and USJ-R Baby Jaguars stayed unbeaten after three starts in the boys division.

Defending champion USPF of coach Joerem Yu trounced CIT-U, 25-7, 25-14, while USJ-R hammered Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC), 25-12, 25-12 before outlasting the USC Baby Warriors, 25-7, 25-16. - THE FREEMAN