CESAFI Volleyball, USJ-R, USC teams place third

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) secured the third place honors in both divisions of the 2011 Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.

In the men's bracket, the Spiking Jaguars thrashed the equally-tough University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers in four sets.

USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua took the first set in dominating fashion, 25-15, but UV bounced back in the second frame, 25-16.

The former grandslam champion recovered in the third canto, 25-17, and had to deal the gritty Lancers with four deadlocks in the fourth set before claiming the victory via a 29-27 decision.

USJ-R's triumph was spearheaded by Kevin Casia, Jayvelle Rojas, Jade Illiut, Mark Rocamora, Owen Jerson Belen, James Lawas, Chris Bautista and three-time national best libero Jason Uy.

In the distaff side, the Lady Jaguars trounced the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers in a five-set thriller.

USJ-R took the first set, 25-20 behind the wily attacks of Abegail Praca, Mytha Padillo, Mona Dubduban and Michelle Simbajon.

The brave-hearted USPF mainstays, however, snatched the next two sets, 25-19, 25-17, courtesy of Apple Eve Saraum, Dianne Navaja and Jennielou Fern Villeguez.

Not losing hope, the Lady Jaguars charged back in the fourth set, 25-18, to forge a rubbermatch.

In the deciding set, the Lady Jaguars sustained their momentum on the way to score a 15-9 triumph.

In the secondary division, the University of San Carlos (USC) boys and girls teams also secured third place honors.

The Jonrey Sasing-mentored USC boys outclassed Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) in straight sets, while their female counterparts bested Southwestern University (SWU), 25-19, 28-25, 25-15.

Meanwhile, exciting championship matches will be featured at 6 pm today at the Aznar Coliseum. The USC Spiking Warriors will take on the USPF Panthers in the men’s division, while defending champion SWU Lady Cobras will go up against USC in the women's finale. - THE FREEMAN