Nat'l Collegiate Games spiking Jaguars are ready

CEBU, Philippines - The gritty University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Spiking Jaguars are all set to defend their title in the National Collegiate Games next month in Manila.

The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) men’s grand slam champion is now focused in attaining its goal of claiming back-to-back national titles as they again face the best collegiate squads from the different regions of the country.

Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua said that she has been exposing her players to the different tournaments as part of their preparation for the NCG, formerly the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA).

Their most recent exposure was during the CESAFI versus GUV Cup All

Stars, the Jaguars faced the selection from the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup.

“I really intend to expose them into tournaments so that they will be prepared in facing tough teams in the nationals and so that I could see their strengths and weaknesses that need to be improved days before the tournament,” said Antigua.

“We really hope that we could get the title again, but we could say anything yet because the games are still yet to be played but preparation and skills wise, my players has a great chance this year, if God willing,” Antigua added.

USJ-R will bank on the performances of last year’s MVP and best blocker, Jesriel Pino, best libero Jason Uy, best attackers Loujei Tipgos, Leoniel Sanchez, Ken Bhoyd Abunda, Kevin Casia, Jayvelle Rojas, and James Kevin Lawas.

They also got reinforcements in Dennis Sepulveda of the University of San Carlos (USC), Mark Giducos of the University of the Visayas (UV) and Allan Caspillo of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF). (FREEMAN)