Solid CEU cast to defend ‘WNC’ crown

MANILA, Philippines - Centro Escolar University and Rizal Technological University slug it out in the duel of last year’s finalists as the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) kicks off its 44th staging on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The CEU cagebelles will parade the same roster that beat their RTU counterparts for last year’s crown, making the Mendiola-based school the top favorite to reign for the second straight year.

CEU and RTU open hostilities at 12 noon while the Philippine Women’s University tangles with Miriam College in the other seniors match at 1:30 p.m.

University of Asia and the Pacific has vowed to make its hosting a memorable one, although it kept details of the opening rites under wraps.

The opening ceremony starts 10 a.m.

St. Paul College Pasig and La Salle College Antipolo collide in the lone juniors game at 3 p.m. 

Aside from the basketball crown, CEU also bagged the seniors’ diadems in volleyball, taekwondo and cheerleading en route to claiming the overall championship.

RTU is the defending champion in senior futsal and table tennis while UA&P’s best finish is third place in cheerleading. Miriam, meanwhile, was overall juniors titlist with victories in basketball, volleyball, badminton and taekwondo.

Rene Ledesma, UA&P’s director for student affairs, said all UA&P teams train the whole year.

“We always give it our best shot in every game and we hope to compete well again,” said Ledesma in yesterday’s press conference at the Telengtan Hall of UA&P in Pasig City.

UA&P president Jose Maria Mariano said the whole university is excited about hosting for the first time the country’s first and only tri-level league for women carrying the theme “Unitas in Sports.”

“We expect the highest form of camaraderie and sportsmanship among all member schools and we are thankful for the privilege of hosting the WNCAA,” said Mariano, who was also joined in the press conference by league president Yolando Co, executive director Ma. Vivian Manila, league vice president Dennis Sajo, basketball commissioner Bryan Tabañag, volleyball commissioner Efren Gaa and representatives of the 17 members schools. 

The volleyball competition will start on Aug. 11 and futsal on Aug. 25. The second semester events are badminton, swimming, table tennis, tennis, taekwondo and new event softball.

When the league turns 45 next year, Manila said they plan to add beach volleyball, dancesports and football to their regular events.

“It will be a real achievement when the WNCAA reaches its 45th season so we hope to try some new events,” said Manila.

AksyonTV will air the complete opening day on Aug. 13 starting at 7 p.m. and the cheerleading competition, which is slated February 2014.  Weekly highlights of all events will also be telecast, according to TV5 sports manager Vito Lazatin.