Pajo NHS, USPF reach semis unbeaten is Shakey's girls volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - Tough rivals Pajo National High School (PNHS) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) marched into the semifinal round unbeaten in the 9th Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Cebu eliminations yesterday at the Aznar Coliseum.

Pajo belles, the defending champion, topped bracket A with a clean 5-0 slate, while USPF registered a 4-0 record in bracket B.

The Fr. Rey Manayon-mentored PNHS claimed Sacred Heart School (SHS)-Hijas de Jesus as its latest victim via a lopsided 25-4, 25-2 decision behind the stellar plays of Gretchel Soltones, Lovely Marie Murillo, Denice Francesca Lim, June Mae Ares and Mariel Gornez.

USPF, on the other hand, ended Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School’s winning streak as they pummeled the latter in straight sets, 25-18, 25-15, courtesy of Jacquelene Tadatada, Rose Marie Malagar, Dianne Padillo, Stephanie Alquitela, Sheena Abegail Quino and Danielle Panangin.

Despite the setback, MCCNHS still proceeded into the semis with a 3-1 win-loss record.

Cebu City Olympics first runner-up St. Theresa’s College (STC) also advanced with a 4-1 card.

In its final elimination round assignment, the Theresians thashed Don Gerardo Ouano Memorial National High School (DGOMNHS), 25-18, 25-19, through the powerful attacks of Angelica Dela Cruz, Pauline Ogapong, Megan Fadriga, Paula Maninang, Nedel Mausisa and Julia Garcia.

In the other match, Southwestern University trounced DGOMNHS in a non-bearing match, 25-23, 25-22.

The semifinal bouts will be contested this morning pitting PNHS against MCCNHS and USPF versus STC.

The winners will then figure in a title showdown in the afternoon. The champion will earn the right to represent Cebu in the Shakey’s G-League National Finals on March 22-24 in Davao City.  (FREEMAN)