USJ-R squads eye top spots in CESAFI volleyball event

CEBU - The undefeated University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) squads shoot for the top seeding in their respective divisions today at the resumption of the 8th Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) volleyball tournament at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The USJ-R belles of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua seek to be the elimination round topnotcher in the women’s division, but they are bound to face rough sailing against the revitalized Southwestern University (SWU) of coach Janeth Ponte in the main game of the morning session.

USJ-R, which is gunning for a record four straight championship, will once again be bannered by former RP Youth members Genie Sabas and Michelle Simbajon. The other USJ-R reliables are Cristy Aina Laroga, Joy Bonita, Avegale Getuaban, and Rachel Hannah Singson, who is interestingly a former member of the USC women’s basketball varsity team.

USJ-R is expected to pounce on the wounded pride of SWU brought by the latter’s defeat to the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) last week.

The USJ-R spikers, on the other hand, hope to keep their undefeated record intact when they take on the University of the Visayas, while University of Cebu will tackle Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) in the other men’s play that will kick-off the day’s action.

USJ-R already barged into the semifinals alongside USC, USPF and SWU.

Still, today’s playdate promises a lot of excitement with defending champion USC taking on last year’s runner-up USPF in a grudge rematch of sort. They will clash in the second game of the afternoon schedule.

Meanwhile, the winners of tomorrow’s semifinal matches will proceed to the championship round on October 22 still at the USC gym. (THE FREEMAN)