USJ-R ousted in V-League

CEBU-based University of San Jose-Recoletos bids early farewell from the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 following a tragic lost against Lyceum of the Philippines University at the Arena in San Juan city.

The Lady Jaguars went all-out against Lyceum but came short following a straight three-set defeat.

Still reeling from their loss to the Ateneo Lady Eagles last April 25, the Jaguars absorbed a 25-17, 25-20, 25-18 decision that booted them out of the league and paved the entry of College of St. Benilde in the quarterfinals.

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USJ-R coach Grace Antigue failed to draw the best from guest player Michiko Castaneda who only collected three points. Her leading player Mary Joy Bonita had a measly two-point output during the match.

Leading the losing cause for the Cebu-based spikers however was skipper Abigail Praca, who finished with 12 points, and Carla Dubduban with her eight hits.

A win for USJ-R against a highly-favored Lyceum could have forced a playoff with the Blazers on Sunday (May 2).

The Lady Pirates, meanwhile, regained their confidence from a deep loss to Ateneo and finished the elimination round with a 3-1 slate in Group B.

Lyceum Thai import Pornthip Santrong bounced back from her below-par performance in their last game by scoring 16 points, while guest player Dalhia Cruz added 15 hits to overpower their ousted Cebuano counterparts.

USL trounces SWU

In the other contest, the first battle between Visayan teams proved to be a stiff match after it took almost two hours to be settled.

Bacolod-based University of St. La Salle downed Cesafi champion and snared the third spot in Group A through a 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, 25-18 win.

The Lady Stingers of Coach Roger Banzuela finished their elimination campaign with a 2-2 record, while the Lady Cobras ended in fourth place with 1-3 card.

Sheryl Denila tallied 17 hits while guest player Michelle Laborte and Patty Orendain chipped-in 29 points for the USL.

SWU drew strength from guest player Erica Verano who topscored with 22 points including two service aces, while Thai reinforcement Piyatada Lasungnern had 16 hits.

The group of eight quarterfinals showdown will start on Sunday. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)