SWU, USJ-R brace for tough title defense in CESAFI Volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champions Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars will face rough sailing in their title retention bids as the volleyball event of the 11th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) season fires off tomorrow at the Aznar Coliseum.

Determined to clinch a rare grandslam feat, the Jordan Paca-mentored SWU belles underwent an extensive training under PHL women’s team head coach Sammy Acaylar.

“With the help of coach Sammy, there's really an improvement in the performance of my players. I’m confident with my team but we should not be too complacent as since other teams are also preparing hard for this tournament,” said Paca.

SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar said they hired Acaylar to train their players since the latter offered it and they just grabbed the rare opportunity given to them. Acaylar is coming to Cebu thrice a month for the training.

SWU may have lost two of its star players in Danalie Baquiro and Mary Luilyn Pacinio but they were able to find equally-competent replacements in Anna Bennova Sabanal, Pacinio’s sister Jeramie and Dumanjug’s towering player Marilyn Llagoso.

Paca said they remained solid as ever with the presence of Danika Gendrauli, Princess Anne Pido, Raphril Aguilar and Lorie May Layno.

“My team is still intact. We will do our very best to win,” said Paca, even as he is eyeing the University of San Carlos (USC) as a team to beat this year.

In the men’s bracket, USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua looks on USC, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and the University of the Visayas among their toughest opponents this year.

In their quest to defend their throne, Antigua will count the most from the likes of Jason Uy, Kevin Casia and James Lawas along with their recruits from Dumaguete City in Marcus Recaroma and Owen Belen, both Palarong Pambansa mainstays.

“Actually, we are now in our transition period going to perfection. I’m not that confident but we’re hoping to finish well this year,” said Antigua. (FREEMAN)