Ateneo de Cebu volleybelles celebrate after winning the girls’ volleyball championship against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO).
The Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-ADC) Magis Eagles and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers finally broke free from a long dry spell in the Cesafi juniors volleyball tournament.
This after the Magis Eagles and the Baby Panthers defeated their respective finals opponents in their do-or-die Game 3s yesterday at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main gym.
The Magis Eagles, who entered the league five years ago, completed their fairy tale run this season with some measure of revenge as it toppled the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars, 25-16, 25-11, 22-25, 25-23, to win their first title in the league.
It can be recalled that the Magis Eagles suffered a backbreaking finals loss to the same Jaguars squad during the Milo regionals tournament last month.
“We lost to them in the Milo tournament. We really had to get back,” said Ateneo de Cebu’s Kaye Santos, who was eventually named the finals Most Valuable Player and best setter.
The Baby Panthers huddle after their title victory over USC (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO).
Although Santos showed her brilliance all-game long save for a brief stretch in the third that allowed the Jaguars to roar back, coach Mario Sala believed the win was a product of the hard work put up by the entire team.
“It was a team effort,” Sala said. “Coach Jamel (Macasamat), and Coach Jordan (Paca) are all great coaches. We just shared our ideas and leave our differences behind. Today it paid off. Our sacrifices paid off.”
Individual awards were also given to Santos’ teammates Jennifer delos Santos (best attacker), Danielle Malazarte (best blocker) and Paula Cañete (best libero). USJ-R’s Krizzia Caasi was named best server.
Jay Tadatada of USC tries to get a spike through the net defense of USPF’s Samlet Booc and Earl Cansico (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO).
The Baby Panthers, on the other hand, had to go grind it out with the USC Baby Warriors before pulling off a 27-25, 25-19, 27-25 victory that handed them their first title since 2008.
Best blocker awardee Alechan Absuelo came up with the biggest play in his career as he blocked 2015 MVP Gwyn Dharell Guy in the final play of the third set that gave the Baby Panthers the victory.
Teammate Pol Salvador won the MVP and Best Server plums, and another USPF player Ruel Sarnejo clinched the Best setter award.
Other winners were Guy (best attacker) and Mitch Suba of USJ-R, who bagged the Best Libero award.