Lancers on a mission

CEBU, Philippines – The University of the Visayas Green Lancers will leave for Manila this morning to strut their wares in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Elite Eight, bringing along with them an extra luggage of surpassing their performance in last year's edition of the annual tournament that draws the country's best of the best in collegiate hoopdom.

In his baptism of fire as UV head coach, Gary Cortes made quite an impression after he propelled the Lancers to an emphatic 63-60 win over the University of San Carlos Warriors to settle for third place in the 2014 PCCL National Finals.

While the Warriors gained automatic entry to the Elite Eight knockout stage for being the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.  champions, the Lancers had to go through a qualifying round this time. They eventually made it to the national finals after topping the PCCL Vis-Min Zonal last week in Ormoc City.

"We are going there not  to participate, but to compete," said Cortes in expressing their readiness against tough Manila teams.  "The team and the players are determined to surpass our third-place finish last year."

"We are asking all the Cebuanos to please help us pray for our safety and victory not only for UV but for USC as well. We're ready and I'm confident that my boys will give their best shot in the tournament," added Cortes, himself a former UV champion player.

Led by Cameemorian reinforcement Steve Cedrick Akomo, Cortes will also pin his hopes on the likes of Leonard Santillan, Franz Arong, Alfred Codilla, Arvie Cabañero, Alwin Aguirre, Vincent Mendoza and flashy playmaker Jun Kent Manzo.

Completing the UV roster in the PCCL are Josue Segumpan, Rey Suerta, Jayson Balabag, Michael Macion, Jerome Napao, and newcomers Monic Soliva and Christian Bolaño.

The Lancers will open their campaign in the sudden-death Elite Eight against either the National University (NU) Bulldogs or the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Faith Gym in Tanauan City, Batangas.

It's indeed an uphill battle ahead for the Lancers as aside from the USC Warriors, also standing in their way to glory are the top ballclubs of Manila in Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Tigers from the UAAP and the Letran Knights and San Beda Red Lions from the NCAA.

UV's best finish in the PCCL was second place in 2007. They got whacked  the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final, 54-71. (FREEMAN)