UV spikers nip UC in five-set thriller

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) spikers struggled, but managed to post back-to-back victories in men's collegiate volleyball event of the 13th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season the other day at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The Mike Abria-led UV claimed the University of Cebu (UC) as its latest victim, but not without passing through a major scare before prevailing in a five-set thriller against the gritty Webmasters.

The Spiking Lancers stumbled in the opening session, 22-25, but readily bounced back in the second set, 25-18. The Visayanians sustained their momentum to grab a 2-1 lead after a 25-18 win in the third set, but UC fired back in the fourth frame with authority, 25-12, to forge a rubbermatch.

In the decider, UV poured in all its energy left to finish off the obviously fagged out UC, 15-9.

UV, thus, joined UC at third spot with identical 2-2 win-loss records.

In the secondary division, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) coasted to its fourth consecutive win at the expense of the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC), 26-24, 25-22.

Meanwhile, USJ-R hopes to regain the solo leadership in the men's division when it tackles UC at 6:00 tonight at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) gym in Brgy. Lahug. In the other match, USC takes on Cebu Doctors' University at 7:30 pm.

USJ-R and USPF currently share the top seat in the men's bracket with 4-0 slates. USC stands with a 1-2 win-loss card, while CDU is still winless in three starts. — (FREEMAN)