Catmon spikers join Shakey's volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - The young Catmon spikers are now all set for a great challenge being the first ever elementary squad to join the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League Cebu Qualifying, which starts tomorrow at the Aznar Coliseum.

“This is indeed a great opportunity for my team, that’s why I was not in doubt in accepting the invitation. This tournament is a great exposure for my players and to test their skills as they compete against the high school players,” said coach Vilma Veloso.

 She added that their participation is part of their preparation for the Palarong Pambansa this April.

“This is the first time that we participate in the tournament. And with this tournament, I could assess on how strong my team is. I will be very happy if we could be part of the top four, if God willing,” said Veloso.

“If that happens then I could say that our team is already competitive enough, but I’m not expecting that much because they’re still young compared to their opponents.”

Veloso also said that three of her graduating players, Mae Angeli Montebon, Justine Dorog and Maria Lina Motebon, were already scouted by Hope Christian School based in the National Capital Region.

The coach of the Manila-based Chinese school went to Catmon to formally invite the players.

 The three will be spearheading the team along with Wella Mae Ortega, Mary Angielou Castillo and Chrisley Ann Sucalit in the first six.

Completing Catmon’s cast are Rayanne Mae Bolitho, Samantha Louise Abrigo, Justine Therese Bragat, Riva Tibay, April Joy Butanas and Janzel Bate.

Team Catmon would surely be one of the tough opponents that will be encountered by the defending champion, the 10-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) champions, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

Completing the list of competing teams are Paref-Southcrest, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Pajo National High School (PNHS), University of San Carlos (USC), Abellana National School, Liloan National High School, Don Gerardo National High School, and Colegio dela Immaculada Concepcion (CIC)-Mandaue.

 The champion will automatically represent the region in the Shakeys' G-League Nationals on April 4-9 at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod in Bacolod City. (FREEMAN)