Hope, UST, UPHL tossers make semis

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian School remained on course of its back-to-back title bid in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League seventh season as it swept past Imus Institute, 25-14, 25-14, in their quarterfinal duel at the Arellano gym over the weekend.

The HCS tossers drew another solid game from Carol Cerveza, who pounded Imus Institute’s net defense with her potent attacks as the defending champions remained unbeaten heading into the semifinal round of the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

But while Hope stayed on track, San Antonio de Padua got sidetracked, bowing to University of Perpetual Help Laguna, 25-14, 25-19, in the second of three quarterfinal matches.

Jorelle Singh spearheaded UPHL’s offense while Asuncion Mendiola took care of the team’s net defense as they stopped the SADP spikers, who also swept the four-game elims phase.

University of Santo Tomas, powered by Alyza Valdez and Kim Fajardo, prevailed over Angeles U Foundation, 25-18, 26-24, to complete the three-team semis cast.

Hope tests UPHL’s mettle in the double round-robin semis on May 13 at 9 a.m. while UST takes its turn against UPHL next before UST and Hope clash later in the day.

The NCR champion and the runner-up will join the top teams from Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Tacloban for the national championship in the Tournament of Champions in Tacloban, Leyte, according to the organizing Metrosports.