Women's volleyball: SWU stops USPF

CEBU, Philippines - You may call it beginner’s luck, but Southwestern University (SWU) proved to be the hungrier and more determined team.

SWU snatched the coveted women’s title with a thrilling five set victory over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) yesterday in the final of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament at the jam-packed University of San Carlos-Main gym.

SWU and USPF both dished out championship performances but then only one could claim the trophy and that was SWU.

The volleybelles of coach Joeren Yu took the first set 25-16 behind the attacks of Raphril Aguilar, Lorie May Layno, Elizabeth Emnace and Danika Yolanda Gendrauli.

However, SWU went ice-cold in the second set allowing USPF to draw even with a 25-19 win led by reigning Nestea Beach Volley women’s national champions, Erika Camille Verano and Apple Saraum along with Honneylyn Ybarita, Jennielou Fern Villeguez and Jovie Abil.

USPF took a 2-1 lead after winning the third set 25-20. SWU then forced a rubber match when Aguilar, Gendrauli and Danalie Baquiro, took charge to win 25-18 in the fourth set.

  In the decider, SWU and USPF fought a seesaw battle and were deadlocked at 9-all. USPF then made it 11-9 and 12-10 through the attacks of Verano.

USPF committed two costly errors and SWU grabbed the lead back 13-12 but then Verano starred again to make it 13-all. 

Verano then made a service error allowing SWU to reach match point. Coach Yu of SWU then inserted Rhea Loayon to the game for Aguilar. The substitution worked like magic as USPF couldn’t field a service game.

  “We are very happy for our victory! I’m very glad for the very good performances of my players. They really show teamwork and they followed my instructions. They started well but they just relaxed in the second set. All of my players really deserve the triumph,” Yu said.

 Coach Paca of USPF said, “They committed lots of errors in services and receiving but I’m still happy because my players really worked hard and strived hard to give SWU a good fight. I am satisfied with the performances of my players.”

 The game for third place between the University of San Jose-Recoletos and the University of San Carlos also ended in five hard sets. USJ-R prevailed 21-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-14, 15-13.   (FREEMAN NEWS)