SWU spikers brace for CESAFI debut

CEBU, Philippines - Young and energetic. These are the strengths of a neophyte Southwestern University (SWU) men's volleyball team that is girding up for its debut in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 13 set to take off on July 28 at the Cebu Coliseum. Under the watchful eyes of coach Lemuel Dave Arreza assisted by Jordan Paca and Marlon Luces, the Spiking Cobras are currently in the thick of deep training for their baptism of fire in Cebu's premiere school-based athletic league.

SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar said he didn't expect much from his newly formed team as they are relatively greenhorns pitted against the top caliber players from CESAFI volleyball powers such as the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), University of San Carlos (USC), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and the University of the Visayas (UV).

All that he is hoping for, Aznar said, is for his players to put up a gallant stand in every challenge they are confronted with.

"I really don't expect much from them because this is a relatively young team. In fact 11 of our 14 players are first year college students," said Aznar. "All I hope for is that they will give their best shot in every game and put up a decent fight in the face of a tough opposition. If we win, I think that will be a bonus on our part."

Aznar said majority of SWU's players are products of the highly-successful Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, a province-wide developmental tournament spearheaded by the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) since 2002.

The SWU men's volleyball squad is composed of Jade Mayol, Jan Delmar Yordan, Royet Varga, Francis Pepito, Jan Eric Pandan, John Lorenz Famoso, John Paul Romo, Perpitou Ladeon, Renz Aljo Enerio, Relan Taneo, Jewel Cabahug, Roberto Vocal, and Carl Alivio.

They get constant updates on the new training methods and techniques from team consultant Sammy Acaylar, the chief strategist of the Philippine women's team.

Aznar said part of their rigid preparations is playing tune-up games against other schools.

“For now, we will be playing against USC and some teams that are composed of former varsity players in an invitational tournament in Naga,” said Aznar. "In that way, we can give our players the needed exposure and prepare them better for the upcoming CESAFI season." (FREEMAN)