CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors for the very first time secured a quarterfinal ticket after registering four wins and one loss at the end of the elimination round phase of the men’s volleyball tournament of the University Games yesterday at the Panay Civic Center at the municipality of Panay in Capiz province.
The USC Warriors of coach Jessie Yungco had a bad start after a first day setback against the towering University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in a four-set battle, 24-26, 25-18, 25-18, 25-20.
The defeat was not, however, duplicated as the Warriors managed to sweep the rest of their opponents.
After a frustrating game against UST, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) men’s champion was able to recover but had to tackle the equally-tough College of St. Benilde in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-17, 25-20, 26-28, 15-11.
They once again engaged another tough fight against Holy Cross Davao City in four sets, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21.
USC thrashed the rest of their rivals in straight sets, Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion (CPC), 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 and University of San Agustin (USA), 25-18, 25-16, 25-20.
The victory was spearheaded by USC’s first stringers, Kennith Bensig, Bonvie Estrera, Jerone Maestre, Dennis Sepulveda, Ryan Abut and Ryan Fuentes.
Also contributing to the triumphs were Leon Gaspar, Earvin Gallegos, Junpit Escasinas, Armand Quirol and Gavinito Yongco.
“So far, my players had good set plays and they were able to have good blocking and service aces. However, they also have lots of reception errors, which we need to work out knowing that our opponents are really tough,” said Yungco.
USC will face Far Eastern University (FEU) in the quarterfinals.
Beach volley
Defending champions, Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras featuring the duo of Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Princess Anne Pido booked a semi-final ticket after fending off their opponents in their bracket.
The Gendrauli-Pido tandem overpowered Adamson University (AdU), 21-17 and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in dominating fashion, 21-3. (FREEMAN)