SWU belles complete 3-peat USC Spiking Warriors regain title in men's division of CESAFI volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - The spirited Southwestern University (SWU) belles completed a rare grandslam feat, while the University of San Carlos (USC) Spiking Warriors shot back into the limelight after clinching the men’s crown of the 2011 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament the other night at the Aznar Coliseum.

Both SWU and USC thrashed their respective rivals in straight sets.

SWU and the USC Lady Warriors figured in a see-saw battle in the first set, with SWU eventually winning via 25-22 decision behind the crisp attacks of Raphril Aguilar, Princess Anne Pido, Lorie May Layno, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, and Marlyn Llaguno.

In the second frame, a highly energized Lady Warriors appeared to be on a vengeful mood as they raced to a six-point advantage, 20-14, through the efforts of Metosheena Bate, Irish Cortes, Chona Gesulga, Akemi Aono and Suzette Panis.

But the gritty Lady Cobras never lost hope as they pulled within four points, 22-18. Surprisingly, Princess Anne Pido’s float service poured in six consecutive service aces, powering SWU to set point advantage, 24-22.

USC could only score a point from there as Raphril Aguilar made the final kill, 25-23, giving SWU a commanding 2-0 edge.

Seemingly discouraged by that heart-breaking setback, the Lady Warriors were no longer in good shape in the third set, enabling SWU to wrap up the match in lopsided fashion, 25-8.

SWU coach Jordan Paca credited Philippine Team coach Sammy Acaylar for the vast improvement of his wards

“Nagbunga gyud ang mga training sa mga bata. Dili lisud ang amo team-up ni coach Sammy. I’m also open to whatever suggestions he has given me because I believe that Manila has advanced programs and gusto ko mapun-an ako knowledge on this stuff,” said Paca.

“We’ve achieved our goal. It’s a rare grandslam feat for us. Our training maximized the skills of my players and coach Sammy’s efforts really paid off. The board of directors in our school is behind the program and if not for their support, we will not be successful,” said SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar.

Acaylar, who was present during the championship game, was impressed by SWU’s performance.

 “They gave their best, they have the heart to play. Even if Princess and Danika were sick, I told them to give their best because it's a championship game. Pido has the heart to play. They put a good fight and good teamwork as well,” Acaylar said.

In the men’s bracket, the Norvie Labuga-coached USC Spiking Warriors took centerstage anew after they vanquished the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) to clinch the title they last won four years ago.

The win wasn't serve on a silver platter as USC had to ease through a tough challenge by USPF before squeezing out a 25-23, 26-24, 25-18 victory.

Among those who figured prominently in USC's triumph were its power six in Dennis Sepulveda, Bonvie Estrera, Kennith Bensig, Ryan Fuentes, Jerone Maestre and Harvey Bernil.

“I told them to enjoy the game, give their best and not put much pressure in their performance because we have nothing to lose since we just placed third last season. Making it to the finals this year is already an achievement," Labuga said.

The win was a fitting gift to graduating players in Dennis Sepulveda, Bonvie Estrera, Jerone Maestre and Harvey Bernil. "It's a legacy for them that they will leave the team in glorious fashion," said Labuga. (FREEMAN)