CEBU, Philippines - The mighty University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) volleybelles once again stole the limelight as they bagged the women’s division championship of the Jingle Cabasa Leitz-sponsored “Jiboren’s Cup at its Best” volleyball tournament the other night at the Pasil Sports Complex.
USPF of coach Jordan Paca outlasted the equally-tough Team Saiha in straight sets to annex its second straight title after last week’s Jiboren’s Sinulog tilt.
Team Saiha, bannered by former RP Youth member Genie Sabas, got off to a flying start and took a 20-15 lead in the first set. However, the big-hearted USPF stalwarts countered with a searing 7-0 rally to wrest the driver’s seat, 22-20, for good.
Saiha could only nail three more points from thereon as USPF closed the set with a 25-23 victory behind the explosive attacks of reigning Neste Beach Volley national champion Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum.
USPF completed its big turnaround with savvy as it took full command in the second set on the way to finishing off Saiha in convincing fashion, 25-19.
Aside from Verano and Saraum, the likes of Honneylyn Ybarita, Jennielou Fern Villeguez, Dianne Navaja, Amor Pepito and Jinky Garridos also figured prominently in USPF’s resounding triumph.
In the men’s bracket, Team Renee overcame a three-set thriller over reigning GUV Cup municipal cluster title-holder Liloan to romp off the coveted crown.
Liloan, led by RP Team member Jonrey Sasing, rolled to a 25-22 win in the first set, but the Renee mainstays fought back with aplomb in the next two sets to turn the tables on the Liloanons, 25-23, 25-22.
In stunning Liloan, Renee drew exemplary plays from Loujei Tipgos, Constancio Estella Jr., Roy Ulan and GUV Cup MVP Lemuel Dave Arreza.
Aside from trophies, USPF and Renee took home P10,000 each, while Saiha and Liloan got P7,000 apiece for their first runner-up efforts.
In the battle for third place, Team Grande of Lapu-Lapu City pummeled Dota All-Stars, 25-15, 25-23 in the men’s division, while Team Lanche of Catmon whipped Team Grande in three sets, 25-13, 21-25, 25-20 in the distaff side. The victors both received P5,000. (FREEMAN NEWS)