Mark Aaron Balbin

The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors made quick work of their opponents, while the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT-U) Wildcats and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers clawed their way back from early setbacks in the third day of the V-League Visayas Men’s Division preliminaries at the USPF Lahug Gymnasium, July 13.

Photo Courtesy of Sugbuoanong Kodaker.

To open the day, the Wildcats overcame a two-set deficit to topple the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, pulling off a gritty comeback win, 20-25, 25-18, 14-25, 25-18, 15-12. 

Sherwien Bawang stepped up for the Wildcats with 26 points off 23 kills, powering them through the decisive final stretch.

Meanwhile, the Warriors delivered the day’s cleanest win, sweeping the UP Cebu Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19.

June Yungco led the Warriors with 15 points, from 14 kills, helping the team to stay in the hunt for a top seed.

Following the Warriors’ success, USPF added another win to their record as they triumphed over the University of Cebu Main Webmasters in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 14-25, 25-18, 25-16, 15-7.

Down by two sets against the Webmasters, the Panthers flipped the momentum and completed a reverse sweep to survive the game.

The Panthers' Jasper Judilla took charge for the team, firing 17 kills on his way to a 20-point outing to end the game in their terms.

The next preliminary games will be on the weekends of July, at the USC Gymnasium.