Pajo belles retain title

CEBU, Philippines - Pajo National High School (PNHS) easily dismantled the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in straight sets to claim back-to-back championships in the Cebu eliminations of the 9th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.

Thus, the Fr. Rolando T. Manayon-mentored PNHS belles earned the right to represent the Queen City of the South in the Shakey’s G-League National Finals slated on March 21-24 next year in Davao City.

With Gretchel Soltones, Lovely Marie Murillo, Denice Francesca Lim, Mahattma Michelle Ares and Mariel Gornez on the firing end, Pajo NHS crushed USPF in the first set 25-16 and followed it up with another lopsided 25-10 win for a commanding two-sets-to-none lead.

The mighty Pajo stalwarts never looked back from there onwards. After posting a 15-4 edge, Pajo launched a 6-0 blitz to further bury the hapless USPF side, 21-4. USPF could only afford two more points as Pajo wrapped up the match in dominating fashion, 25-6.

 “Our short set plays and taking huge score advantage powered our team to victory. I motivated my players to aim for the national title and we will still be using the same strategy in the national finals,” said Manayon.

Though a bit disappointed, USPG coach Thelma Datig expressed satisfaction over the performance of her wards.

“We really lacked practice that is why the girls were not doing good in their games but the fact that we reached the championship was already a blessing for us,” said Datig.

The rest who contributed to PNHS’ triumph were Danica Molinas, Apple Jean Roiles, Jessa Marie Jorquia, June Mae Ares, Jella Mae Jorquia, Flora Mae Coloscos and Sweet Otero.

The PNHS mainstays are now very excited to face tough squads from the different parts of the country during the Nationals.

“If the girls will improve their performance, there's a big possibility that we will bring back the national title to Cebu, ” said Manayon.

During the crossover semis, PNHS thumped Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School (MCCNHS) in straight sets, 25-4, 25-10, 25-10, while USPF had to pass through the wringer before upending St. Theresa’s College (STC), 17-25, 25-21, 25-20, 16-25, 15-10.

In the battle for third place, STC clobbered MCCNHS, 25-14, 25-22, behind the efforts of Angelica Dela Cruz, Pauline Ogapong, Megan Fadriga, Paula Maninang, Nedel Mausisa and Julia Garcia. (FREEMAN)