CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras snapped out of their two-game slump and at the same time gained a certain measure of confidence as they crushed the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in straight sets to proceed into the quarterfinal round of the Shakey's V-League Season 7 at The Arena in San Juan.
After falling prey at the hands of defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (Tomas) Tigresses and perennial NCAA champion San Sebastian College (SSC) Lady Stags last week, a more vibrant and agrressive Lady Cobras showed up yesterday, signifying their determined campaign for a better finish in their maiden entry in the country's premiere volleyball league.
"Since we suffered two straight defeats against powerhouse teams from Manila, we never lose hope. For the past three days, we practiced hard and I'm very happy that my players have already adjusted well to our system especially our setter (Lorie Mae Layno)," said SWU coach Joerem Yu.
Though confident of victory, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion found FEU a tough customer to handle, scraping through a hard-earned 25-23, 25-22 win before eventually knocking off the Lady Tams via a 25-19 decision.
"It's somehow a relief for us that we finally scored one," said an ecstatic SWU athletic director and team manager Ryan Aznar. "Our setter did a good job this time in terms of orchestrating our offense. It's a good thing that everything turned out well for us. Hopefully this will continue in our succeeding games."
Aside from Layno, coach Yu credited the sterling performances of Thai import Piyatida Lasungnern, Danika Gendrauli and Raphil Aguilar that gave them a renewed challenge as the brace for a tougher battle ahead.
The Lady Cobras will take a one-week rest before taking on the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod in a crucial match on April 29 that will determine the rankings going into the next phase of the competition.
Meanwhile, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars hope to rebound from their opening day setback to Adamson University when they go up against the College of St. Benilde at 2 pm tomorrow.
The Shakey's V-League is governed by a single round robin format where the 10 teams are divided into two groups with the top four from each side advancing to the quarterfinals. The top 8 squads will again be divided into two groups and play a single round with the top two teams in each side clashing in a pair of crossover semis. The winners will then clash for the crown in another best-of-three affair.—with Marigold P. Lebumfacil (FREEMAN NEWS)