ANS scores in Shakey's volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - The Abellana National School (ANS) belles survived a three-set thriller against the University of San Carlos (USC) before securing its first win in the 8th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League the other day at the Aznar Coliseum.

Banking on their powerful attacks and solid defenses, ANS went off to a sizzling start although they had to toil hard before taking away a 25-22 victory in the first set.

With their backs pinned against the wall, the Carolinians staged a courageous fightback, engaging ANS in an intense battle of crisp spikes in the second set. This time, they came out triumphant, 25-22, to forge a sudden-death duel.

Once again, the two protagonists figured in a very exciting showdown that thrilled the spectators to the max in the deciding set but the ANS mainstays were resilient and crafty enough when the game was on the line to wrap up the match, 25-21.

Thus, ANS gained the needed morale-booster as they brace for a tough encounter against Catmon Elementary School, the Palarong Pambansa grandslam champion and the only elementary squad in the tournament, as action resumes next Saturday at the same venue.

Though they are just elementary students, Catmon served an ominous warning to their rivals as they gave defending champion and 10-time CESAFI titlist University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) one heck of a fight before losing in three sets.

In next week's other games, USC hopes to barge into the win column when it goes up against Liloan National High School, while Pajo National High School takes on Paref-Southcrest.

In the afternoon session, USPF faces Liloan, Catmon collides with USC and Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion-Mandaue mixes it up with Paref-Southcrest. — (FREEMAN)