THIS IS how deadly the Southwestern University-Phinma iConnect is.
Despite being out of form for their game against the University of Cebu on Thursday at the University of San Carlos (USC) Gym, the Cobras still managed to pull off a four-set win against the Webmasters to remain unbeaten in the Men’s Division of the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Open Volleyball Tournament.
SWU-Phinma defeated UC, 27-25, 25-21, 25-27, 25-16 to improve to 3-0 (win-loss) and take the lead in Bracket 1. The Cobras accomplished this despite not being a hundred percent ready.
SWU-Phinma head coach John Paul Romo admitted that the team had not rested well because they had to attend a celebration the night before the game.
“The players were really off in conditioning for today’s game,” he said. “We were really weak and stressed and we lacked communication [on the court].”
Romo said he had to change his tactics throughout the match to stay in control. “I had to guide my team. That is what coaches do,” he said.
Although his players showed resilliency yesterday, Romo wants his team to be better as the competition enters its crucial stages.
“For the upcoming games, expect more from us. If the opponents have their preparations, we will double ours.”
In the other bracket, Cebu Province remains on top after defeating the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), 25-22, 26-24, 25-22.
Cebu Province also has a 3-0 record to lead Bracket 2.
The top two teams after the elimination round will advance to the crossover semifinals.
In the Women’s Division, USPF defeated South Spikers, 25-16, 25-17, 25-19 to hike its record to 3-1, the same record with Mandaue City, which also swept the visiting Makati Gospel Church- New Life Christian Academy, 25-12, 25-22, 25-19.