The University of San Jose-Recoletos Spiking Jaguars displayed tremendous resilience in the face of tough odds to fashion out a tough 16-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-13, 15-10 win over the Southwestern University Spiking Cobras in Game 1 of the best-of-three men’s finals series yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.
USJ-R put on display that toughness best in the set where they overhauled an 11-17 deficit behind thunderous attacks of James Lawas, Jerson Belen and Mark Rocamora to prevail 26-24 and even the game up at 1-1.
But SWU fought back and kept their composure even when USJ-R erased their early nine-point lead to lead 19-18. Kills by Alden Cabaron and Pete Macasero gave SWU a 23-21 lead before USJ-R shot themselves in the foot with two straight errors to cede the set 22-25.
The Jaguars though pounced on a listless SWU side in the fourth, scoring from all angles to rout the Cobras and tie it all up at 2-2. Then in the decider, Belen rose to the occasion and scored three of the Jaguars’ last five points to hack out the win.
USJ-R guns for the crown today in Game 2 slated at 1 p.m. at the University of San Carlos gym.
Meanwhile in the juniors division, USC swept the boys and girls titles after turning in splendid performances in the respective Game 2s yesterday.
In the girls class, USC followed the same script as the series opener as they lost the first set before coming back to sweep the next three for a 21-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-19 win over the reigning champions SWU and a 2-0 series sweep.
Taking home special awards for USC were Christine Vergara who was named as the Most Valuable Player, Kate Rodriguez who won as best server, Sheena Teriote who was adjudged as best setter and Anne Sabellano who claimed best attacker honors.
In the boys category, USC retained their title with 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. USC’s Jay Tadatada was eventually given MVP honors.