USPF Lady Panthers Secure Cesafi Women’s Volleyball Championship in Thrilling Finale
In a riveting conclusion to the Cesafi Season 23 women’s volleyball tournament, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers clinched the championship title, prevailing over the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors in a decisive Game 3 at the USC Main Campus gymnasium.
USPF Lady Panthers Cesafi Volleyball Championship Details
| Date | February 4, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Venue | USC Main Campus gymnasium |
| Opponent | University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors |
| Result | USPF Lady Panthers won in 4 sets (24-26, 25-19, 25-21, 26-24) |
| Head Coach | Yolly Rizarri |
| Key Players | Ressel Pedroza (Team Captain), Katrina Inot, Vanessa Lou Miñoza, Ma. Tess Gloria |
| Coach’s Remark | “Having a name, murag nindot gyud kaayo…no words to say.” – Coach Yolly Rizarri |
| Individual Awards |
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Guided by the strategic prowess of head coach Yolly Rizarri, the Lady Panthers seized the title in a four-set showdown against their formidable counterparts, with scores of 24-26, 25-19, 25-21, and 26-24.
Coach Rizarri attributed the victory to her team’s unyielding determination, particularly after a setback in Game 1 on January 28. The Lady Panthers rallied in Game 2, securing a crucial win that set the stage for the intense Game 3 confrontation.
Facing an initial setback with a 24-26 loss in the first set, the Lady Panthers rallied, dominating the subsequent three sets at 25-19, 25-21, and 26-24. Their remarkable resilience and strategic prowess underscored their unwavering commitment to excellence on the volleyball court.
Rizarri emphasized the pivotal roles played by the team’s defense and motivation, highlighting that despite challenges, the Lady Panthers secured victory “by hook or by crook.”
This championship holds special significance for Coach Yolly Rizarri, marking her fourth year guiding the Lady Panthers. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rizarri expressed that achieving success with the team left her at a loss for words.
Ressel Pedroza, the Lady Panthers’ team captain and Cesafi volleyball Most Valuable Player, conveyed gratitude for the unexpected title. Despite setbacks in some games, Pedroza underscored the team’s commitment to bouncing back and maintaining focus on winning subsequent matches.
Individual honors were also bestowed upon standout players. Ressel Pedroza earned recognition as the second-best outside hitter, while her teammates Katrina Inot, Vanessa Lou Miñoza, and Ma. Tess Gloria were acknowledged as the best middle blocker, best setter, and best libero, respectively.
Furthermore, three Lady Warriors received special awards: Lorelyn Navaja as the best outside hitter, Jearl Lapitan as the second-best middle blocker, and Abegail Bisnar as the best opposite spiker.
The USPF Lady Panthers’ jubilant celebration marks a historic moment in Cesafi Women’s Volleyball, solidifying their status as the reigning champions.
