The University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s dream of finally capturing the national crown is quickly turning into a nightmare following its dismal, 23-25, 18-25 loss to hosts and Bacolod champions University of St. La Salle yesterday in the Shakey’s Tournament of Champions elimination round at the USLS covered court in Bacolod.

USPF, the national runner-up for the last two years, woke up on the wrong side of a determined USLS squad, which desperately needed a win to stay in contention for the national crown, after getting clipped by defending champions Hope Christian University in yesterday’s opening game, 25-22, 20-25, 18-25.

The USPF belles of head coach Jordan Paca, failed to find any answer to the powerful attacks of the hometown favorites, which dominated the entire game behind the three-pronged offense anchored on skipper Gianes Dolar, Dancel Dusaran and Fritz Gallenero.

With the trio taking advantage of the Baby Panthers’ porous net and ground defense, USPF struggled to get its stars, namely, Danika Gendrauli, Kaisse delos Santos, Diane Navaja and Jinky Garidos going, resulting in the loss.

“They were just too strong for us. Dili jud mi kakuha sa ilahang bola. Everybody stepped up on their side, even their bench,” said Paca in a post-game interview.

USPF won over Central Philippines University in their opening match but the loss yesterday forced them into a must-win situation against Palaro champions, Hope Christian University of head coach Jerry Lee.

A loss would mean a spot in the battle-for-third place while a win would create a three-way logjam for first place, with the two teams having the highest quotients advancing to the title match. That game was still being played as of press time yesterday.