The Southwestern University Lady Cobras (2-0) kept their immaculate record intact by annihilating the University of San Carlos Lady Warriors (0-2), 19-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-15, yesterday in the Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) women’s volleyball tournament at the Recoletos Coliseum.
The defending champions had a slow start and lost the first set but were on cruise mode in winning the next three sets for their second win in as many assignments.
SWU Head Coach Jordan Paca said their experience played a vital role in the victory since his squad is composed mainly of players from last year’s champion team.
Also on the distaff side, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Lady Panthers (1-1) barged into the win column after dismantling winless Cebu Doctors’ University White Stallions (0-2), 23-25, 25-19, 28-26, 25-23.
Coach Rolando Manayon of CDU cited his team’s lack of preparation time for this tournament as the reason for their second straight setback.
“We are only given little time to practice and it’s also our Intramurals. At least we put up a fight. We will do our best against SWU next game,” Manayon said.
In the men’s division, the University of San Carlos Warriors started their season on a winning note with a 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16 triumph against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers.
In secondary boys’ action, the University of San Jose-Recoletos Baby Jaguars gained much-needed momentum heading into their finals clash with the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors by handing the Baby Warriors their first loss in the tournament, 25-20, 22-25, 25-17.
It was indeed sweet revenge for the Baby Jaguars who lost to the same USC team in straight sets, 25-22, 27-25 last Aug 23.
Both teams will return to action on October 11 as they duke it out for the coveted boys’ title in a best-of-three showdown.
In the girls’ division, the University of San Carlos (3-1) tallied their third consecutive victory clobbering Ateneo De Cebu (1-4), 28-26, 23-25, 25-17, while the University of San Jose-Recoletos (3-0) girls remained unbeaten after trouncing the University of Southern Philippines, (1-2) 25-17, 25-22.