MLSDF/USJ-R tops  bracket with 4-0 card

The M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF)-sponsored University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars sailed to its fourth victory by beating the College of St. Benilde in the 2007 National University Games (Uni-Games) in Bacolod City yesterday.

The Lady Jaguars defeated the College of St. Benilde, 25-15, 29-27, 28-26, to top their bracket and book a quarterfinal seat in volleyball competition.

The MLSDF/USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Fame coach Grace Antigua tries to get past Foundation University today for a semifinal date with Adamson University.

The team has an ax to grind with Foundation University, which defeated them in last year’s PRISAA.

After a lopsided 25-15 first set victory, the MLSDF/USJ-R volleybelles found the sailing rough against College of St. Benilde in the next two sets.

The College of St. Benilde was leading 22-16 in the second set and was heading to victory, when Jullett Mae Marikit and Michelle Simbajon rallied the Lady Jaguars to a 29-27 win.

The same scenario was shaping up in the third with St. Benilde leading by five points but Jeany Sabas, Aina Laroga, Marikit and Simbajon struck back to help their team prevail, 28-26.

“They really impressed me with their performances inside the court. The girls showed they could defend against their opponent. Although St. Benilde had a spiking 5’11 player, who is training with the National Team, the tandem of Marikit and Sabas defended very well, “said coach Grace Antigua.

While the women are victorious on the volleyball court, CESAFI men’s volleyball defending champion the University of San Carlos Warriors were not that lucky.

They kissed their stint in the Uni-Games goodbye, stumbling against Iloilo Doctors College in five sets, 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 25-16, 10-15.

This time the superb plays of Roderick Arenasa, Edward Carlo Tecson and Jerone Maestre couldn’t save the Warriors from the jaws of defeat and will be going home empty-handed.

“We had a lot of miscommunications during our game. Iloilo Doctors College was also tough opponent and their defense was good. Although the team strived hard to win, it seems that the victory is not really for us,” said USC team captain and MVP Roderick Arenasa.

“It was regretful, the team had chances to win but their performance was wanting. We need to work on our defense, blocking and how to execute good plays,” commented USC’s coach Norvie Labuga.

In basketball, the USC Warriors beat Asian College of Science and Technology (ACSAT)-Dumaguete City, 80-75. The Warriors are now on top of their bracket with a 4-0 card.

Two-time CESAFI MVP Enrico Llanto provided the points when the Warriors needed them most in the game. His partner Niño Ramirez, Carlo Padayao and Giovanni Padillo were also hitting their shots. The Warriors had beaten Ateneo de Zamboanga earlier, 79-61.