Lady Jaguars stumble in Shakey's V-League

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars once again put up a courageous stand but wobbled in the end, after a three-set failure to College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers in the preliminary round of the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Jaguars had an impressive start as they took the driver’s seat in the earlier moments of the first set with a 23-20 lead behind the solid blocks and powerful attacks of Abegail Praca, Rachelle Hanna Singson, Princess Canda, Mona Dubduban, Mary Joy Bonita and their two imports – RP team member Michiko Castañeda and Michelle Simbajon.

Praca’s block led USJ-R to a set-point advantage, 24-20. But with their never-say-die attitude, the Lady Blazers’ stalwarts Giza Yumang, guest player Fajardo, Zharmaine Velez and Ren Agero made a sizzling 3-0 run, causing a 24-all deadlock.

USJ-R’s score was nailed at 24 as CSB’s Yumang and Fajardo made two consecutive kills to seal the set at 26-24.

Seemingly discouraged by the first set loss, the Lady Jaguars were not able to be back in their shape again, thus, the Lady Blazers of coach Thelma Barina swept the last two sets with authority, 25-18, 25-15.

It was the second straight setback of the Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua-coached Lady Jaguars, who fell to the hands of Adamson University Lady Falcons last Sunday.

“They had a good start in the first set. Their defense and their momentum were consistent as well as their first touches, however, it seemed that the girls let loose when they got the set point advantage,” said Dave Areza, who served as their coach since Antigua was in Boracay for the Nestea Beach Volley event.

“Obviously, they were discouraged by the unexpected first set defeat, that’s why they were not able to recover in as much as they tried to show a better performance,” Areza added.

Joining CSB in the quarterfinal round are San Sebastian College, Lyceum, Adamson and defending champion University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses, who are seeking a third straight championship.

University of St. La Salle-Bacolod (1-1) and Southwestern U (1-2) in Group A and Ateneo (1-0) in Group B are assured of a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth in their respective groups.

The top four teams in each group after a single round elimination will advance to the next round where they will be grouped again into two with the top two from each division advancing to the crossover semis.

In their previous two entries in the annual volleyball league, the USJ-R belles automatically advanced into the quarterfinal round, but they are faced with a different scenario this time as they have to go through the elimination phase.

The former three-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) women’s champion only needs to score one victory to proceed into the next round.

USJ-R will take on Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday.

They will wrap up their elimination round campaign against Lyceum of the Philippines University on April 29.  (FREEMAN NEWS)