PAREF-Southcrest made a memorable debut in the Central Visayas leg of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Season 10 but had to pass through the wringer before edging out Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in a three-set thriller yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.
Southcrest of coach Thelma Datig handily won the first set, 25-14, but found Ateneo a tough customer to handle as the match progressed. After a nerve-wracking battle, Ateneo prevailed, 26-24, to forge a rubbermatch.
The two protagonists again figured in a tightly-knit duel in the deciding set, but Southcrest's fortitude paid off as it ralied from a 21-24 deficit to grind through a 28-26 victory.
In the other game, the Abellana National School (ANS) pulled off a masterful 25-8, 25-8 demolition of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus.
Exciting action resumes at 3 pm today with ANS going for its second win versus the University of Cebu, while Southcrest takes a break.
The other games feature host Southwestern University against SHS-Hijas de Jesus, Ateneo de Cebu versus the University of San Carlos, St.Theresa’s College opposite Silliman University, and defending champion Pajo National High School against Hijas de Jesus.
The top two teams per bracket at the end of the classification round will advance into the crossover semifinals. The winners will then clash for the championship and the right to represent the region to the national finals set later this year in Manila. (FREEMAN)