Varsity team keeps SJI volleybelles crown

THE High School Varsity squad subdued Team 70s/80s in four sets, 12-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-17 to retain the title in the 2nd SJI Alumni Volleybelles Friendship Cup played at the Msgr. John B. Liu Activities Center.

Recovering from their lukewarm performance in the opening set, which 70s/80s dominated, 12-25, the Varsity team bounced back in the second canto, 25-13, and never looked back from there.

Post your reaction to the Manila hostage crisis

Team 70s/80s failed to sustain to sustain their outstanding performance in the first set highlighted by efficient defense and good receptions from tosser Cynthia Causing and timely attacks from Jessica Plana, Liza Calangan, Lizette Tamayo, Ione Cornejo and Hera Mirano.

Looking to duplicate their first set performance, 70S/80s surged to a 6-1 lead in the second set but the Varsity team grounded the challengers by limiting them to seven points after they regained their composure.

The high school team started out with service winners from Juralie Lio followed by the set-up by Samantha Araneta on the kills from Rosel Sy, Kim and Camille Gequillana, while Nadine Severino and Shieva Canuday were providing the scrappy plays and defensive efforts.

Trying to redeem some lost ground, 70s/80s went to Causing for several service winners, but the Varsity slowly caught up with them Sy scored on back-to-back kills for a 13-12 lead.

In the succeeding plays, for every two points scored by the Varsity, Team 70s/80s responded with a point to trail at 22-17 lead.

In the fourth set, the eventual champions raced to an 18-13 lead despite a couple of spiking errors from sisters Camille and Kim Gequillana.

The spiking sisters redeemed themselves as Kim executed graceful tip-ins and powerful blocks while Camille delivered the championship point to finish the set on a 7-2 run.

Varsity coach Peter Yusay mentored the champion squad with former La Salle Varsity Mark Sabusap provided guidance for Team 70s/80s.

The tournament is organize by the SJI Alumni Association headed by Oddette Ong Gomez. (Stephen Tan)