CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) volleybelles open their title campaign in the 7th Shakey’s V-league against the San Sebastian College (SSC)-Recoletos at 4 pm today at The Arena in San Juan City.
“We haven’t seen their (SSC-R) performance yet but with what my players are showing me and the determination they possess, we have greater chances of winning against them,” said SWU coach Joerem Yu.
Yu also has high hopes on their Thai import Piyatida Lasungnern and Erika Camille Verano of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) as they begin their uphill journey towards crowning glory.
Lasungnern and Verano will play alongside SWU mainstays in Lorie May Layno, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Raphril Aguilar, Danalie Baquiro, Mary Luilyn Pacinio, Elizabeth Emnace, Rhea Loayon, Anna Bennova Sabanal and Maria Christalie Picos.
Assuming they get past SSC-R, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) women’s champion still face a tall order against defending champion University of Sto . Tomas (UST) Tigresses, whom they will take on this Thursday.
In their succeeding matches, the SWU stalwarts will clash with Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of St. La Salle (USLS)– Bacolod.
Aside from SWU, the other Cebu entry in the week-long tournament is the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.
USJ-R will pin its hopes on RP team member Michiko Castañeda of the University of the Philippines and former USJ-R standout Michelle Simbajon.
The USJ-R reliables include Mary Joy Bonita, Abigail Praca, Rachelle Hannah Singson, Mona Dubduban, Cristina Lavador, Avegale Getuaban and Carla Garces.
The Josenians will have their hands busy against the Ateneo de Manila University, College of St. Benilde, Lyceum University, and Adamson University in bracket B. (FREEMAN NEWS)