USC Lady Warriors Cement Dynasty with Dramatic Cesafi Volleyball Championship Defense
The University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors have solidified their reign as the dominant force in Cebu collegiate volleyball, capturing their second consecutive Cesafi women's volleyball championship in a nerve-wracking five-set thriller. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final point, the Lady Warriors outlasted the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars with a score of 25–20, 16–25, 25–20, 23–25, 21–19 at the USPF Lahug Campus gymnasium on Sunday.
A Sweet Revenge Victory for the Lady Warriors
This championship victory held special significance for the USC squad, serving as a form of sweet revenge against the same USJ-R team that had defeated them earlier in the year during the V-League Visayas finals. Under the expert guidance of legendary head coach Grace Antigua, the Lady Warriors demonstrated remarkable resilience and championship pedigree throughout the tournament.
Back-and-Forth Battle Culminates in Fifth-Set Drama
The championship match unfolded as a classic volleyball showdown, with both teams exchanging set victories in a display of exceptional skill and determination. The Lady Warriors claimed the first and third sets thanks to the powerful attacks of last season's MVP Ghanna Suan and veteran player Angel Galinato. However, the Lady Jaguars refused to surrender easily, capturing the second and fourth sets to force a decisive fifth frame that would determine the championship.
In that final set, USC faced what seemed like an insurmountable challenge, falling behind 8–2 early on. Just as the USJ-R supporters began celebrating what appeared to be an inevitable victory, the Lady Warriors mounted an extraordinary comeback. Anchored by Galinato's formidable net defense and the steady composure of Mary Angel Tariman, USC gradually chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the game at 14-all.
Championship Sealed with Textbook Defense
After multiple deuces that heightened the tension in the gymnasium, Galinato delivered a clinical middle attack to give USC match point. The championship was finally secured when the Lady Warriors' front line executed what observers described as a textbook block against a USJ-R outside attack, ending the marathon set at an astonishing 21–19.
Building on Previous Tournament Success
The championship victory capped an impressive tournament run for USC, who had already survived another five-set thriller against the University of Cebu (UC) Lady Webmasters in the semifinals. This back-to-back championship achievement confirms their status as the team to beat in regional collegiate volleyball, having now claimed two titles in two years following a previous five-year championship drought.
Coach and Players Reflect on Historic Achievement
I'm very proud of my players. They showed heart when they were down in that fifth set, said an emotional Coach Grace Antigua after the victory. Winning back-to-back is never easy, but they stayed composed when it mattered most.
Individual Awards Highlight Tournament Excellence
The championship celebration included recognition of standout performers throughout the tournament:
- Jolly Velasquez of USC earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award
- Rachelle Ann Tecson received the Rookie of the Year honor
- Angel Galinato (USC) and Glaiza Santosidad (UC) were named the tournament's top Middle Blockers
- Ghanna Suan (USC) and Leady Ann Rule (UC) were awarded as best Outside Hitters
- Cris Atay and Jolly Velasquez of USC received special awards as best server and setter respectively
- Dianne Duazo of USJ-R earned best Libero honors
This championship victory not only extends USC's volleyball dynasty but also sets the stage for what promises to be another exciting season of collegiate volleyball competition in Cebu.
