USC stays perfect in Shakey’s GVL

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion University of San Carlos prevailed over Don Gerardo Llamera Ouano Memorial National High School in battle of unbeaten teams to assure itself of a semifinal spot in the Central Visayas leg of Shakey's Girls Volleyball League Season 13 yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City.

With an immaculate 4-0 record, the USC spikers are also into the Final Four regardless of the outcome of their final elimination round assignment against the University of Cebu under Group A.

After winning over St. Theresa's College, the Carolinians overcame a three-setter against the gritty Pajo National High School volleybelles, 25-16,24-26, 26-24. They then pulled off a lopsided 25-3, 25-3 decision over Paref Southcrest School before claiming Don Gerardo as their latest victim with the scores of 25-20, 25-14.

Despite the loss though, Don Gerardo is also assured of a semis berth for finishing second in their bracket with a 4-1 win-loss card. The pride of Mandaue City got its fourth win at the expense of  Pajo, 25-14, 25-19.

In Group B, Southwestern University is also a virtual semifinalist owing to its clean 3-0 slate. SWU's nailed its latest triumph against Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 25-15, 25-14.

Last year's runner-up University of San Jose-Recoletos is most likely to book the remaining semifinal ticket after posting a 2-1 win-loss card, so far. After falling prey to SWU, USJ-R bounced back with back-to-back wins against SHS-AdC, 25-10, 25-14 and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation,

25-17, 25-19.

 USPF currently stands with a 1-2 card in a tie with SHS-AdC after the former bested SHS-Hijas de Jesus, 25-13, 25-6.

Meanwhile, the crossover semifinals will be played at 11 a.m. today. The championship match is set at 3 p.m., with the winner earning the right to reprsent the region in the Shakey's GVL League of Champions this November in Biñan, Laguna. (FREEMAN)