USJ-R belles nip SWU to rule Shakey’s GVL

CEBU, Philippines – The University of San Jose-Recoletos spikers coasted to a three-set victory over Southwestern University to rule the Central Visayas leg of the Shakey's Girls Volleyball League Season 13 yesterday at the jampacked Cebu City Sports Institute gym in Barangay San Nicholas, Cebu City.

After a resounding 25-21 start, USJ-R f coach Roldan Potot sustained its momentum to finish off SWU in the next two sets, 25-17, 25-23 to reclaim the crown taken away from them by the University of San Carlos last year.

It was a sweet revenge of sort for the Spiking Jaguars as they dethroned USC to advance into the championship round. SWU, on the other hand, fended off the gritty Don Gerardo L.Ouano Memorial National High School to grab the other finals ticket.

In their well-attended title showdown, the USJ-R belles showed some nerves and big fighting heart in upstaging the wards of coach Jordan Paca.

Learning from their mistakes during their loss to SWU in the elimination round, USJ-R fought back with renewed challenge anchored on superb service and great defensive efforts.

With Christine Vergara, their reinforcement from their college team leading the charge, USJ-R went away with a four-point win in the opening frame. SWU was expected to turn the tables in the second set only to be frustrated after USJ-R stormed to an early 10-2 lead, which it parlayed into a decisive eight-point triumph.

In the third set, things went well for SWU after it enjoyed a 17-14 lead. But that proved to be the best the cold muster as USJ-R responded with an 11-6 blast to seal the deal.

"This is my second time to win a championship crown for USJ-R in Shakey's. During the elimination round against SWU, we have a lot of unforced errors. Our service were so bad that I told my players to work hard on it and they did," said coach Potot.

USJ-R, thus, earned the right to represent the region in the Shakey's GVL League of Champions later this year.

Meanwhile, Don Gerardo compounded the already gloomy day of dethroned champion USC after it bested the Carolinians, 27-25, 9-25, 25-23 to claim the third place honors. (FREEMAN)