SOUTHWESTERN University once more finds itself in the upper rungs of the Cebu volleyball hierarchy after sweeping the men’s and women’s titles of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) volleyball competition, beating rivals University of San Jose-Recoletos in a finals series that went the distance yesterday at the University of San Carlos gym.
The Spiking Cobras had to pass through the proverbial eye of the needle before disposing of defending champion USJ-R, 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 15-11.
And while SWU reclaimed dominance in the men’s division after losing it to USJ-R last year, the women’s team just punctuated its authority with a three-set victory over a lackluster USJ-R, 25-22, 25-18, 25-21, making a historic finish as it claimed its fifth straight women’s title.
People say that behind every great spiker is an excellent setter. These are the people who rarely get credit as people only see the players who smash those exciting points down. They play in the lesser celebrated positions but hold one of most important responsibilities on court.
And yesterday, they finally got their place in the spotlight after setters Mark Kevin Petancio and Therese Ramas were named the Most Valuable Players in the Cesafi volleyball finals.
Mark Kevin Petancio, who comes from a family of volleyball players, was named the men’s division MVP, while the graduating Civil Engineering student Therese Rae Ramas claimed her second Cesafi MVP.
Petancio grew up exposed to volleyball. He used to tag along with his grandmother, former national team member Thelma Datig, as she played or coached volleyball. It was no surprise then that he eventually picked up the ball and become a player himself. He played all his life, from his elementary years in the Cebu City Central School, and he played under the guidance of his uncle Kareem in Abellana National School.
“They are my main influences. Every game they are there. They have always guided me,” said the third year Marketing student.
During the game, SWU head coach Dave Arreza said that the victory was anchored on Petancio’s demeanor.
“We were ahead, but then my setter, Petancio, lost control and confidence when USJ-R made a comeback,” said Arreza.
“Pag-naapsan na mi, nistruggle na. I told our setter to relax and focus. The team depended on it. Focus on simple plays so you could see the weak points from the other team,” said Arreza.
Arreza added that when Petancio regained his focus in the fifth set, they were unstoppable.
After lagging behind, 5-2, SWU, leaned on Petancio and Raul Consad, Nilo Jasmin, Pete Macasero and Dave Cabaron, for a 10-1 rampage to lead 12-6. They never looked back from there.
“There was a lot of pressure on my mind kai bawt-bawt ra ang duwa. Nag-adjust pa mi sa among reception. But my mindest going into the game is to enjoy and to focus,” Petancio said.
SWU won the 2014 and 2015 titles before losing to USJ-R last year.
“This year, we worked hard on teamwork to get everyone to work as a team. Nabuo na gyud mi and that was what we witnessed today,” said Arreza.
In the women’s side, although clearly the title favorites, SWU head coach Roy Ulan’s main concern is the condition of his setter Ramas.
“She is my only setter and the team depended on her alot. We need her to be in top shape. We need her to stay away from injuries. When she showed signs of cramps, I started feeling nervous,” said Ulan.
But yesterday, luck was on their side.
“The team worked together, the were focused and they listened to us coaches. I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Ulan, adding that everyone in the team contributed to the victory.
Ramas, and five others, are playing on their last Cesafi and they couldn’t be prouder to have left this legacy.
“This is a proud moment for me. I can’t believe I am leaving Cesafi with SWU winning its fifth straight title and an MVP medal,” said Ramas, who will be graduating this March with a degree in Civil Engineering.