SHS-AdC, USPF snare CESAFI volleyball title

CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu belles copped their first championship, while University of Southern Philippines Foundation ended its eight-year title drought in the secondary boys division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball event at the University of San Carlos gymnasium yesterday.

SHS-Ateneo girls completed a historic campaign this season after they fought with sheer courage and determination to pull through a hard-earned 25-16, 25-11, 22-25, 25-23 win over University of San Jose-Recoletos in a do-or-die game of their ‘best-of-three’ finals series.

After a strong start, the Magis Eagles seemed exhausted from an aggressive showing in the first two sets that let the Josenians do the talking in the third set behind the efforts of Chriszelle Anne Caasi.

SHS-Ateneo spikers kept their composures as Danielle Marie Malazarte led her team in a thrilling fourth set encounter.Angelyna Grace Canieso and Jennifer Louise Delos Santos also contributed big as they put the final nail on USPF’s coffin with their crucial plays.

In the boys’ side, USPF reclaimed the championship they last tasted on 2008. After tying the series on Game 2, the junior Panthers completed a come-from-behind victory after waxing hot straight set victory, 27-25, 25-19, 27-25 against University of San Carlos in Game 3.

 “I told my boys to give it all they have got because there is no tomorrow.  This is the right time to get that championship back and I am glad that they responded,” said USPF coach Cecil Jotojot.

The junior Panthers proved to be the hungrier team after claiming the first two sets after big plays from Pol Gringo Salvador and Ruel Sarnejo.

USC tried to snatch the third set after making some major adjustments especially in defense, but Mark Joseph Enriquez stepped up for USPF as he sparked a rally, 22-16. Alechan Absuelo sealed the deal for USPF after a crucial block to USC’s Gwyndrarell Guy. (FREEMAN)