Cesafi Boys Volleyball Finals: USC stages great escape to subdue SWU in opener

CEBU, Philippines —  The University of San Carlos spikers staged an incredible Houdini-like escape, battling back from two sets down to frustrate Southwestern University-Phinma (SWU) in a five-set thriller kicking off the best-of-three boys volleyball finals of the 2017 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season yesterday at the USC-Main gym.

The Carolinians under the behest of coach Jonrey Sasing could wrap up the coveted crown if they score a repeat over SWU-Phinma in Game 2 scheduled at 3 p.m. today.

It was a sorry loss for Southwestern U, which took a commanding 2-0 lead after sweeping first two sets, 22-20, 25-22 only to wilt under a courageous fight back by the boys in green and gold uniforms.

With their backs against the wall, USC fought with renewed challenge to stay alive anchored on a 25-22 victory in the third set.

Riding on the momentum they gained, USC further pounced their foes to forge a decider via a lopsided 25-16 decision in the fourth frame behind the efforts of Kennry Malinis, Gwyndharell Guy, John Rey Sanico, and Vincent Jericho Lauron.

Sensing that SWU-Phinma has completely lost steam when the game was on the line, USC capitalized on the opportunity to complete their great comeback, 15-10, and move one step closer towards claiming the championship.

"During the first two sets, nagpakita sila (SWU-Phinma) og kaluya and we took advantage of it. During our practice, we really focused on strengthening our stamina aron makalahutay mi if ever maabot og 5th set ang duwa," said Sasing.

"Going to the third set until the final set, I told my boys to keep on fighting and through experience pud sa akong mga players, naka-cope up ra pud sila sa mga errors nga na-commit nila sa first two sets," he added.

Earlier, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation subdued the University of Cebu in three sets, 18-25, 25-22, 25-18, to settle for third place in the boys division. (FREEMAN)