USJ-R battles Adamson in Shakey's V-League today

CEBU, Philippines - After Southwestern University, it’s the turn of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) to plunge into action and for sure the Josenians will have their hands full against the Adamson University as they slug its out at 4 pm today in Shakey’s V-League Season 7 at The Arena in San Juan City .

In their previous two entries in the annual volleyball league, the USJ-R belles of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua automatically advanced into the quarterfinal round, but they are faced with a different scenario this time as they have to go through the elimination phase.

The former three-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) women’s champion though only need to score one victory to proceeds into the next round.

“We hope that we could beat one team in our bracket so we could make it into the quarterfinals. This would be a tough year for my players but I could see the determination in them,” said Antigua .

Antigua is expected to squeeze the most from her two reinforcements in RP Team member Michiko Castañeda of the University of the Philippines and former USJ-R stalwart Michelle Simbajon.

Castañeda and Simbajon will play alongside Mary Joy Bonita, Abigail Praca, Rachelle Hannah Singson, Mona Dubduban, Cristina Lavador, Avegale Getuaban and Carla Garces.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed if we could fulfill our target, but hopefully all our sacrifices will be worth it,” said Antigua.

On the other hand, the Adamson Lady Falcons, runner-up to the UST Tigresses last season, currently sport an even 1-1 record. They lost to the Lyceum of the Philippines University, but quickly bounced back with a hard-earned conquest of the College of St. Benilde. (FREEMAN NEWS)