Shakey's V-League: USJ-R tops SHS-Hijas de Jesus

CEBU, Philippines -  Defending champion University of San Jose-Recoletos opened their title retention bid with a 25-7, 25-5 win over Sacred Heart School- Hijas de Jesus under the pool A of the Central and Eastern Visayas leg of the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Season 12 last night at the Aznar Coliseum.

USJ-R aims to take the driver’s seat in the pool A that is currently held by Pajo National High School. USJ-R will face the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu and University of Southern Philippines Foundation today.

Former Saint Theresa’s College star player, Paula Marie Maninang who is now playing for the USJ-R is expected to carry the team today.

USPF though should not be taken for granted after a 25-18, 25-12 win in their first assignment against SHS-AdC.

Meanwhile, early favorite Southwestern University shares top seat in pool B with Pajo National High.Both SWU and Pajo NHS now stand with 2-0 record.

After defeating St.Theresa’s College in the opening day, Pajo NHS went on to give some more lessons to PAREF Southcrest School , 25-3, 25-3 under pool A.

SWU, on the other hand, escaped defeat against Don Gerardo Ouano Memorial National High School the other night, 25-15, 24-26, 25-9.

SWU who had two reinforcements from their college team got some surprises from the Mandaue-based squad.

The DGOMNHS girls showed a lot of fighting spirit, although their height became a big disadvantage for them and never got to stop the offensive attacks made of SWU.

Not to suffer another scare, SWU went on to pull a lopsided 25-10, 25-4 triumph over the debuting Mary Help Christian School their second straight win.

Both squads were scheduled to play against each other last night to untangle the tie, but result of the game is still on-going as of press time.

Whatever the result, SWU looks into another easy win when they face Paref Southcrest School today while Pajo takes a breather and will have its next game tomorrow against DGOMNHS.

They will play in a single round robin format, with the top two teams after the classification stage advancing into the crossover semifinals.

The winners will then clash for the championship and the right to represent the region to the League of   Champions set January 18-23, 2015 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.  (FREEMAN)