Retain or reclaim?

Ruel Sarnejo (9) of University of San Carlos defends the net in Game 2 of the Cesafi boys’ volleyball finals at the USPF gym.
CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON

USC, USPF dispute Cesafi boys’ volleyball crown

All-season long, the University of San Carlos (USC) has struggled against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in the Cesafi boys’ volleyball tournament.

But USC head coach Jonrey Sasing has seen something positive from his team lately, especially in the finals, where his Warriors are defending the title against the Panthers.

“I see it in them that they really want to win the title,” Sasing said.

USC and USPF have won a game each in this best-of-three championship series.

The deciding Game 3 will be played Saturday at the USPF gym with the Warriors looking to retain the title and the Panthers also aiming to bring back the crown to their school.

The Panthers, champions in 2016, downed the Warriors, 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 19-25, 15-13 in Game 1 of the finals.

USC tied the series with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22, victory in Game 2.

That was the first win of USC against USPF this season. Sasing believes his boys have finally figured out the Panthers after a long climb.

“I can see the trend that they are improving since the start of the season,” Sasing said.

According to Sasing, his wards lost in straight sets to USPF in the eliminations.

The team managed to force a decision set in the second round but still lost.

In Game 1, the Warriors pushed the Panthers to the limit before losing in the fifth and deciding set by just two points.

Then finally, USC was able to beat USPF in Game 2 in four sets.

For Sasing, this is a good sign.

“I hope the trend continues in Game 3,” he said.

Relaxed

USPF coach Francis Louie Aboc also believes USC was the hungrier team in Game 2.

“I think after the Game 1 victory, the kids relaxed,” Aboc said.

The Panthers made some minor adjustments going into Game 3 to brighten their chances of winning the crown.

“USC seems to have known our weaknesses. So, we are working on our weaknesses and at the same time developing our strengths. We need to improve team work and communication on the court,” Aboc added.

Although he is confident of his team’s chances, Aboc believes having the proper mindset during game time is what is important in a do-or-die game.

“I had to condition their minds that we have to win this game to bring the crown back to Lahug.”