THE University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars’ penchant for thrills almost did them in. Fortunately, they unleashed their prowess that won them back-to-back championships in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation to beat the College of St. Benilde, 25-15, 29-27, 28-26 to move to the quarterfinal round of the volleyball competition of the 2007 University Games in Bacolod City.
In the basketball courts, on the other hand, the University San Carlos Warriors also advanced to the quarterfinal round at the top of their bracket after winning over Asian College of Science and Technology Dumaguete City, 80-75, yesterday in Bacolod City.
In the volleyball competition, USJ-R head coach Grace Antigua said that the other coaches, especially those from Manila, were teasing them because her players always let the opponent take the lead, only to get it back during a crucial point in the set.
Thrilling
“They were teasing us why we like it to be so thrilling,” Antigua said.
After an emphatic first set win, St. Benilde came rushing into the second set and built up a 22-16 lead with a furious rally.
USJ-R captain Julette Marikit and Michelle Simbajon stepped in with their services aces and answered back with a 6-0 run to tie the game 22.
After a furious exchange of leads, USJ-R managed to force four slide twos before eventually taking the set. The same scenario happened in the final set, where they once more erased a five-point deficit to eventually win.
Antigua said she is thankful Marikit and Simbajon came through when their services were needed the most.
Frontliner
“We were surprised (with Benilde). We were watching them in their first few games and they were not this good. It seemed like they improved as the competition is going on,” said Antigua of St. Benilde, which constantly finishes in the top three of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Antigua added that St. Benilde was at an advantage because they have sturdy frontliners owing to a 6-foot-2 blocker but Genie Sabas, a former RP team member, was able to neutralize the threat.
“Luckily for us, Genie’s blocks worked well,” Antigua said. USJ-R topped the bracket with four wins and will be facing Foundation University in the quarterfinals today at 2 p.m.
If they make it to the semifinals USJ-R will be facing the feared Adamson University. (MCB)
