CEBU - The rejuvenated Southwestern University (SWU) belles also proved to be a force to reckon with after overpowering the University of the Visayas (UV) for their third straight win in as many starts in the women’s bracket of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament yesterday at the full-packed UV Gym.
SWU of coach Janeth Ponce silenced the pro-UV spectators with their decisive attacks, stifling defense and smart drop shots spearheaded by Danika Gendrauli, Lorie Layno, and Maria Luilyn Paciño. They vanquished UV in straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-14.
The SWU volleybelles coudn’t celebrate fully yet as they will face next grandslam champion University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.
The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) of coach Jordan Paca, on the other hand, kept its semifinal bid in motion after crunching the University of Cebu (UC), 25-12, 25-14, 25-21.
The likes of Ericka Camille Verano, Charrylou Paden, Apple Seraum, Jennylou Villeges, Honeylen Ybarita and Lovena Amor Pepito vaulted USPF to the crucial victory.
In the men’s action, USJ-R trounced defending champion University of San Carlos (USC), 25 - 22, 25 - 18, 25 - 21.
USJ-R’s victory was courtesy of the sizzling offensive launched by Ariel Carumba, Louijie Tipgos, Ken Abunda, and team captain Jack Yrog-irog.
USC put up a gallant stand led by two-time CESAFI MVP Roderick Arenasa along with Kennith Bensig, Dexter Tuazon, Jerone Maestre, Bonvie Estrera, Michael Alilin and Jeroel Aragones, but they fumbled in destroying USJ-R porous defense.
Last year’s runner-up USPF also stayed unbeaten after scorching the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), 25-17, 25-22, 25-21. Erwin Inso, Edward Ybañez, Ramil Espinosa and James Ryan Rivera were the brightest stars in USPF’s resounding victory.
In the other game, UV bounced back from its previous defeat to USC and vented its ire on UV, 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 through the sterling performances of team captain Jade Becaldo, Jose Wendell Alcos, Edrick Apostol, and Jose Marie Etcobanes.- THE FREEMAN