Gahi, Soliva bade farewell to UV Lancers with grateful heart

CEBU, Philippines —  It may not be the kind of ending they wanted for their respective collegiate careers but All-Star guard Sheldon Gahi and do-it-all forward Monic Soliva still stand loud and proud for being part of the storied legacy of the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

Gahi and Soliva, who were an integral part in UV’s winning a grandslam title from 2016 to 2018 in Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league, failed to deliver another championship glory to the Lancers in the final playing years after they were dethroned by the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras last Friday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers put up one big fight after being down by as much as 18 points in the second half but came up short in the end resulting to a heart-rending 60-64 defeat at the hands of the Cobras, who went on to claim the first CESAFI title in five years.

In the face of defeat though, both Gahi and Soliva were unbowed as they bid farewell to the Lancers and the ever supportive Visayanian community with a grateful heart.

“To all UV community and supporters, sorry to disappoint you guys,” said Gahi in a heartfelt Facecook post. “But still I want to thank all of you. To Samsam Gullas, thank you so much kuya boss for all the support sa team. Thank you so much coach sa tanan. 5 Finals Appearances!”

Soliva was similarly sentimental as he gave the Lancers one final salute.

“Thank you UV for the opportunity to wear the white and green and to represent our school. It has been a wonderful experience,” said Soliva.

Gahi and Soliva are two of the four graduating UV players. The others are Gileant Delator and Michael Maestre.

UV coach Gary Cortes, on the other hand, was apologetic after they faltered in extending their reign to four years.

“To the UV community, Lancers fans, thank you so much for all your support. We are sorry to disappoint you all,” said Cortes, who made it to the finals for five consecutive years since he took UV’s coaching reins in 2015.

They may down and out for now but UV Basketball team manager Samsam Gullas has one solid line on what the future holds for the Lancers.

“We will come back stronger,” said Gullas. EBV