CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras once again put up a courageous stand but fell short in the end, dropping a three-set decision to defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in the preliminary rounds of the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 the other night at The Arena in San Juan City.
It was the second straight setback of the Joerem Yu-coached Lady Cobras, who struggled even with the presence of Thai import Piyatida Lasungnern in their debut against perennial NCAA champion San Sebastian College Lady Stags last Tuesday.
The Tigresses, who are seeking a third straight championship, thrashed the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) champion in straight sets.
The Shaq de los Santos-mentored Tigresses swept the first two sets with authority, 25-12, 25-18, behind the powerful attacks of MVP Aiza Maizo, Angeli Tabaquero, Maika Ortiz, Maru Banaticla, Dindin Santiago and Rhea Dimaculangan.
In the third set, SWU, though the efforts of Lasungnern, Erika Camille Verano, Raphril Aguilar and Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, was in fighting mood to forge three deadlocks in the early goings.
The best the Cebuano visitors could muster, however, was to knot the count at 10-all as the Tigresses made back-to-back hits to gain full control of the match.
SWU threatened for the last time at 18-20 as Maizo, Tabaquero and Dimaculangan conspired in a sizzling 5-2 run to seal the win, 25-20.
“Although we lost against the heavily favored UST, I’m still impressed with the performance of my players this time because they were improving already especially on their reception and floor defense,” said Yu.
“As of now, I’m trying hard to uplift their morale but then again I’m proud to say we were the only team so far to score 20 against UST.”
SWU will take on next Far Eastern University (FEU) on Tuesday. They will wrap up their elimination round campaign against the University of St. La Salle (USLS)–Bacolod on April 29. (FREEMAN NEWS)