SWU, USC set up title clash in CESAFI volleyball tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras and the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors knocked out separate rivals to set up a championship showdown in the women's division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament the other night at the Aznar Coliseum.

The Jordan Paca-mentored Lady Cobras moved within the threshold of a rare grandslam feat after they vanquished the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in straight sets, 25-21, 25-10, 25-19, behind the powerful attacks of Raphril Aguilar, Princess Anne Pido, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Lorie May Layno, Fritzie Aligway and the six-footer from Dumanjug Marlyn Llagoso.

After many years of trying, the USC Lady Warriors of coach Norvie Labuga finally secured a final ticket after they eliminated the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars in four sets.

USC swept the first two sets, 25-22, 25-16, courtesy of Akemi Aono, Metosheena Bate, Suzette Panis, Nina Irish Cortes and Chona Gesulga.

However, the Lady Jaguars of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua bounced back in the third canto, 25-22, spearheaded by Michelle Simbajon, Ma. Abegail Praca, Mona Dubduban and Mytha Padillo.

But the gritty Lady Warriors never allowed the Lady Jaguars to score again as they made it all the way to a 25-19 victory.

Meanwhile, the crossover semis in the men’s division is slated on September 18 at the USPF gym. USC will face defending champion USJ-R, while USPF will take on the University of the Visayas. (FREEMAN)