CEBU, Philippines - The big-hearted University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) volleybelles outlasted the star-studded Team Froilan in a three-set thriller to complete a five-game elimination round sweep in the women’s division of the 1st Sinulog Jiboren’s Cup Volleyball Open at the Pasil Sports Complex.
USPF of coach Jordan Paca waded through rough waters before eking out a 25-22 win in the opening set behind the explosive attacks of Erika Camille Verano, Dianne Navaja, Amor Pepito and team captain Honneylyn Ybarita.
Staring at imminent defeat, the Grace Antigua-mentored Froilan squad, which is tipped as a strong title contender courtesy of its powerhouse roster composed of Mechelle Matuguina, Jullet Mae Marikit, Genie Sabas and Marissa Lagancia, fought back with savvy to forge a rubbermatch with a 25-21 win in the second set.
In the deciding frame, the two protagonists literally figured in a game of a thousand thrills that left the large throng of spectators holding their breath until the final outcome was settled.
Both sides gave their all-out best as if they were already fighting for the championship resulting into four slides. When the smoke was cleared, the USPF belles came out smoking the victory pipe.
Ten minutes later, USPF showed no signs of fatigue as it scraped through Team Cebu City, 27-25, 25-23. The setback though has no effect on Team Cebu City’s title hunt as it is already assured of a semifinal ticket.
In the men’s bracket, the University of San Carlos (USC) spikers of coach Roderick Arenasa overcame an opening set blunder to hammer USPF in another suspense-filled encounter to complete the four-team semifinal cast.
USPF drew first blood, 25-21, through the efforts of skipper Jesselito Moncada, Edward Ybañez and Marlon Luces, but USC grinded through a nerve-tingling 29-27 triumph in the second canto to live and fight for another set.
The Carolinians’ never-say-die spirit paid off as they succeeded in closing out the hard-fighting USPF, 25-22, thanks to the impressive showing of Edward Carlo Tecson, Harvey Bernil, Dennis Sepulveda, Earven Gallegos and Robert Anthony Mendez.
USPF quickly bounced back without exuding sweat as it won by default over Saiha, while John Patrick Caylo (JPC) clobbered host Team Pasil, 25-23, 25-23 in the final match of the day.
The crossover semifinals as well as the championship matches in both divisions will be played on January 10 at the same venue. (FREEMAN NEWS)