Phl Lady Volcanoes take on Singaporeans in rugby challenge

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Lady Dragons-powered Philippine Lady Volcanoes face a tall order when they tackle the Singapore national team in the 1st International Ladies 15s Rugby Football Challenge at 3 pm today at the Cebu International School (CIS) field in Brgy. Pit-os, this city.

Before the Phl-Singapore showdown, the Cebu Dragons men's squad will go up against the Alabang Eagles at 1:30 pm in the JML-Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) 15s League. The Alabang Eagles is the very same team wherein celebrities like Andrew Wolff and Derek Ramsey belong.

From 10am to 12 nn at the same venue, there will be a Kids Touch Rugby Tournament. It's the culminating activity for the Summer Kids Program spearheaded by the Cebu City Rugby Football Club (CCRFC) at the City Central Elementary School.

The Phl Lady Volcanoes, composed mostly of Cebuana players, are excited and anxious at the same in their first ever encounter with the Singaporeans.

"Cebu has the biggest pool of pure Filipinos playing rugby. And in this tournament, at least 50% of the lineup of the Philippine Lady Volcanoes, is composed of Cebu Lady Dragons," said Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) development officer Rose Mae Lanticse.

The Cebuana members of the Lady Volcanoes are Aiumi Ono, Lalaine Albarando, Monica Bolofer, Jessica Filoteo, Marie Antonette Gambito, Eloisa Jordan, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate De Los Santos, Mae Ann Ubaub, and Phl wushu team member Mary Evangeline “Vange” Agbay.

The rest of the Phl roster include Manila’s Alice Almocera, Amelia Bryere, Rosemarie de La Cruz, Kaye Llanie Honoras, Nikki Lira, Ada Milby, Rozie Morala, Noreen and Reena Novero, Anne Sajorne, Acee San Juan and Cassie Umali.

Though only a goodwill game, the Lady Volcanoes will surely give their best as it serves as the final selection for the country's representatives to the Asian Women's 4 Nations Division 2 (AW4N) on June 13-17 in Manila. (FREEMAN)