USC, USJ-R start title defense in CESAFI volleyball

CEBU - The University of San Carlos (USC) and University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) start their title retention bids in their respective divisions as the 8th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball event fires off today at the USC-Main gym.

The USC Spiking Warriors of Coach Norvie Labuga are seeking a grandslam feat in the men’s division, but they are expected to face tough opposition from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers and USJ-R.

The added challenge for the Warriors is how to fill in the void left by Edward Carlo Tecson, Mark Pepito and Ruel Lato, who had finished their playing years already.

Still, coach Labuga is in confident mood.

“I have the feeling that we can get the title this year as long as my players will do their very best and will really aim to win. This is a challenge for us, but we will be satisfied with whatever we could get in this season,” said Labuga.

USC will take on the Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) in the main game of the afternoon session.

In the distaff side, the Lady Jaguars of Cebu Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua are still in good shape to retain their crown.

“Hopefully, we can still get the title this year as long as they will play to the best of their abilities and they will not be threatened by their opponents. I really want my team to win, but it will always depend on their performances. I advised them to have way of power to do their very best in all the matches,” said Antigua.

The Lady Jaguars will face the University of the Visayas (UV) in the final match of the morning schedule.

Other morning games pit, USC against USPF and Southwestern University (SWU) versus the University of Cebu (UC).

In the afternoon, USPF will take on UC, while USJ-R will battle Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT). — Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)