USC Lady Warriors Claim CesafI Volleyball Crown in Nail-Biting Five-Set Final
The University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors showcased remarkable resilience to defend their championship title in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CesafI) women's volleyball tournament. In a heart-stopping match held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lahug Campus gymnasium, the Lady Warriors triumphed over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars with a final score of 25–20, 16–25, 25–20, 23–25, 21–19.
A Sweet Revenge for the Lady Warriors
This victory served as a particularly sweet revenge for the USC Lady Warriors under coach Grace Antigua. The Lady Jaguars had previously defeated them in the finals of the V-League Visayas last year, making this win a significant redemption moment. The match was far from easy, as the Lady Warriors faced numerous challenges before ultimately securing their hard-fought triumph.
Dramatic Comeback in the Decisive Set
The game unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, as both teams exchanged wins in the first four sets, leading to a thrilling fifth-set decider. The Lady Jaguars appeared poised for victory when they established a commanding 8-2 lead in the final set. However, the Lady Warriors refused to lose hope, mounting a gradual and determined comeback from this deficit to clinch the championship in a stunning turnaround.
Individual Awards and Recognitions
Several players received accolades for their outstanding performances during the tournament. Jolly Velasquez of the Lady Warriors was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Rachelle Ann Tecson of the Lady Jaguars earned the Rookie of the Year award. Additional special awards included:
- Jolly Velasquez also secured the Best Setter award.
- Cris Atay, a teammate of Velasquez, was recognized as the Best Server.
- Dianne Duazo of the Lady Jaguars received the Best Libero award.
- Angel Galinato from the Lady Warriors and Glaiza Santosidad from the University of Cebu (UC) Lady Webmasters were honored as Top Middle Blockers.
- Ghana Suan of the Lady Warriors and Leady Ann Rule from the Lady Webmasters were named Best Outside Hitters.
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of Cebu's collegiate volleyball but also underscored the talent and dedication of these student-athletes in a memorable championship showdown.
