UE is champ in Shakey’s tourney of champs

University of the East added another feather to its cap after winning the Shakey’s Tournament of Champions yesterday by stopping a gritty University of Southern Philippines squad in a tense championship match at the Ateneo Blue Eagles gym.

The Lady Warriors’ impenetrable defense proved to be the key in the three-sets win, 27-25, 25-19, 25-20, and gave them the honor as the overall Shakey’s Champion of Champions.

The title was the second in a week’s span for the team after also bagging the crown in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League. UE also happens to be the reigning champion in the UAAP.

The loss was a heartbreaking one for USP, which late into the first set lost star spiker Jane Marlith Garidos to knee injury. The Cebuana player is expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks.

"What happened was sad. She is one of my key players," lamented USP coach Jordan Paca.

Behind Giza Yumang, Cristel Rosale and Czarina Mitra, the Lady Warriors combined for 16 kills, 12 of them by Yumang.

USP’s Ma. Theresa Caballero and Frika Verano meanwhile, stood at the forefront of the Cebuana’s defense, accounting for the team’s five blocks although their effort fell short in the end.

Yumang was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP).