MANILA, Philippines - National University has tapped veteran coach Roger Gorayeb to take over the reins as the struggling Lady Bulldogs try to turn their fortunes around in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Roger Gorayeb will be our new head coach,” NU athletics director Junel Baculi said yesterday.
Gorayeb assumes the mantle from Ariel dela Cruz, who led the team of Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo to a 2-3 win-loss record in the early going of the tournament.
Baculi said Gorayeb will start tomorrow when the Lady Bulldogs take on the UST Tigresses at the MOA Arena. Gorayeb, though, may have to work double time as his women’s squad at the NCAA – San Sebastian – is scheduled to play on the same day against Perpetual over at The Arena in San Juan.
Gorayeb returns to the UAAP after a two-year absence. He last handled the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Season 75, steering them to runner-up honors before leaving the succeeding season to concentrate on his job as SSC’s athletics chief and concurrent women’s volleyball tactician.
Gorayeb is also moving back to national team duties as he was assigned by the Philippine Olympic Committee to handle the formation of the Under-23 ladies squad.
Meanwhile, the UAAP cleared the schedule of its football competition for the duration Jan. 15-19 in deference to the visit of Pope Francis.
In a revised schedule released by event host Far Eastern U, games will take their regular slates on Jan. 10, 11 and 14 then go on a one-week lull. Hostilities resume on Jan. 21 and 22 at the FEU-Diliman field.