UNIVERSITY of San Carlos scored a huge upset after pulling off a reverse sweep against Ateneo, 19-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13, for its first win in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg Saturday at the Mandaue Sports Complex.
The reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) titlists displayed grace under pressure, as the Lady Warriors outhustled the Blue Eagles in a nip-and-tuck deciding frame to the delight of the home crowd.
Angel Galinato and Ghanna Suan carried most of the scoring load, but it was USC’s fighting spirit and school pride that got the squad through the cardiac match that needed two hours and 19 minutes to be decided.
“Napakalaki na nito para sa amin kasi from the province, at least meron na kaming isang nadali from Manila, malaking bagay ito sa confidence namin at saka, at least, they will improve,” said head coach Grace Antigua.
The Lady Warriors rebounded from an opening day four-set loss to Adamson to tie Ateneo with a 1-1 record.
Galinato and Suan finished with 18 points each and combined for 30 of USC’s 54 attack points. Jerusha Atay scored nine points, while Esha Nasayao got five markers capped by a crucial middle hit that shattered a 13-13 deadlock in the fifth frame.
USC has a chance to snatch a silver medal with another win over University of Southern Philippines Foundation in a rematch of the CESAFI finals on Sunday in the final playdate of the competition.
Faye Nisperos had 17 points, 15 coming off kills, Zey Pacia got 15 points, while Jihan Chuatico and Rob Silla added 13 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Blue Eagles.
Ateneo can still win the gold medal in the single round-robin tournament if it beats the undefeated Lady Falcons (2-0) by straight or four sets on Sunday.
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