In the distaff side, two-time women's division champion University of Cebu (UC) Lady Webmasters hope to open their campaign to a hot start as they collide against the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-r) Lady Jaguars in the preliminary.
Now with an overall record of 59 wins against one defeat, the Lancers are again picked the league favorite as with ace center manning Rino Berame the frontline while veterans including Jayford Rodriguez and Morsie Akad provide the much needed support.
Berame and sophomore guard Von Harry Lanete led the Lancers with 12 points each the first time around but the finishing kick against the Warriors were done by rookies Frangel Omolon, Chris Victor Diputado, Ritchum Dennison, Lucky Pitogo and Mark Anthony Manigque. The same expected again from the rookies today.
Losing lead guard Mark Ababon to the PBL and Ariel Mepaña to an ACL injury, Rodriguez and Akad, who were teammates in the Asian champion of the Adidas Streetball Challenge held in China two years ago, could fill up the slacks to take charge of the offense.
The Wildcats, who have five rookies, are expected to rely to some of their reliable men including Emilio Aniñon Jr., Jerry Lumongsod, Marvin Abapo, Sherwin Abobo, Ronel Villarba and Ramel Guevarra, among others.
Top rookie Karenrick dela Cerna could be a big boost from the backcourt as he led the CIT Wildkittens into the finals last year but lost to the UV Baby Lancers in the finals.
During the finals, dela Cerna was already out of commission wearing crutches but the Wildcats even nearly send the finals to a rubbermatch at the UV gym losing only by a hairline in game 2, 67-66, in overtime courtesy of two free thows by Phil Mercader.
Now under his wings, coach Alex dela Torre ould make dela Cerna a great rookie out from an injury he sustained last year but beating the Lancers is easier said than done.
That magic in the five-year history of the CESAFI came only at the hands of UC, which tainted the Lancers a 75-68 beating last September 22 at the UV gym dropping the Lancers record that time to 54-1 before scoring four more wins including the semifinals and the finals to end the 2005 season with a 58-1 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, the UC Lady Webmasters rely on some of their finest cagebelles including MVP Clarissa Lanuza, Ma. Melrose Piloto, Maricel Fernandez, Annabel Nieves, Jackie Lou Taping and Jewel Belonguel.
On the other hand, the Lady Jaguars could turn to Ma. Beth Cabusao, Babie Claire Baclaan, Carmel Cueto, Sheila Dagatan, Girlie Gasal and Joannah Malinao, to name a few.