University of Cebu Webmasters Triumph in Inaugural V-League Visayas Men’s Volleyball Finals

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Demonstrating resilience and skill, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters claimed the first-ever V-League Visayas men’s volleyball championship by overcoming the favored University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers in a hard-fought four-set final held on Sunday, July 27, at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus Coliseum.

The reigning Cesafi Season 24 champions secured the crown with a 26-24, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory, edging the top-seeded Panthers in a match filled with intense rallies and momentum shifts.

The closely contested opening set saw both teams exchanging points until UC edged out USPF 26-24. However, the Panthers responded strongly in the second set, winning decisively 25-18 to level the match.

In the latter part of the game, the Webmasters maintained their composure amidst unforced errors and high-pressure situations. Coach John Abas’s leadership proved vital in guiding the team through a nail-biting fourth set characterized by several ties and momentum exchanges.

At 22-all in the final set, Ryan Pantilgan made a pivotal midcourt attack to break the deadlock, followed by a tactical drop shot from Quiades Labos that put UC at match point. Although USPF briefly revived their hopes after Pantilgan’s serving error, Labos sealed the championship with another precise drop shot, concluding the set 25-23.

Labos earned MVP honors with a standout performance, tallying 23 points from 22 kills and five key receptions. Pantilgan contributed 16 points, supported by 12 attacks and four blocks, while Jose Ilustrisimo added 12 points, including six digs and a crucial ace.

On the opposing side, Jasper Judilla led USPF with 16 points from attacks and a service ace. Teammates Christian Casas, Ben Villabito, and Spencer Carcueva each added 12 points but were unable to halt UC’s decisive plays late in the match.

Statistical analysis highlighted UC’s offensive strength with 61 kills compared to USPF’s 54. Although USPF held a slight advantage in blocking, 9 to 8, UC dominated the serving department posting 17 aces against USPF’s 10. USPF, meanwhile, led in excellent sets, delivering 26 successful setups versus UC’s 14.

The victory reinforces UC Webmasters’ dominance in Cebu collegiate volleyball and marks a historic triumph in the newly established V-League Visayas men’s competition.