Hope tossers keep Shakey's NCR crown

MANILA, Philippines - Mighty Sports Hope Christian School pulled off two come-from-behind victories over the weekend, including an improbable five-setter over National University in the finals to retain the Shakey’s Girls Volley League NCR leg crown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The HCS spikers, with Desiree Cheng on the firing end, overcame a two-set deficit and endured an extended third set duel, then outsteadied the tall Alyja Daphne Santiago and the NU tossers in the fifth to hack out a thrilling 11-25, 19-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-9 victory and clinch the lone berth in Tournament of Champions slated March 21-24 in Davao City.

Hope earlier fought back from a set down to repulse Colegio San Agustin, 22-25, 25-18, 25-13, in the semis to set up the title clash with NU, which also needed a third set to hold off Angelicum College, 25-21, 23-25, 26-24, in the event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Metro Sports.

Hope thus joined the other regional qualifiers of the event, backed by Toby’s, Mikasa and Asics, in the T-of-C, including New Ormoc City High School (Eastern Visayas), Central Philippines University (Western Visayas), Baguio City National High School (Northern Luzon), Holy Family Academy (Central Luzon), De La Salle-Lipa (Southern Luzon) and first qualifier Pajo National High School (Central Visayas).

CSA nipped ANC, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, to clinch third place.

Cheng was later named the tournament’s MVP and the best attacker with Hope mentor Jerry Yee bagging the best coach honors. Other awardees were Santiago (best blocker), Jorelle Singh of NU (best server), Marcy Regina dela Peña of CSA (best receiver), Annie Macaraya of ANC (best libero) and CSA’s Julia Morado (best setter).