UCAA expects keen competition in 8th season

MANILA, Philippines - Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) president Gerardo Sergio III of host De La Salle University-Dasmariñas expects a balanced competition when the eighth season of the league blasts off tomorrow at the Ugnayang La Salle Gymnasium in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Sergio made the assessment yesterday at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Shakey’s Restaurant in UN Ave., where he appeared with members of the UCAA board and their coaches.

“It’s going to be a very balanced field this year. Very competitive, very exciting. With Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila out, you wouldn’t know which team will dominate in the league, any team can beat any other team on any given day,” said Sergio at the Forum, sponsored by Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Accel.

In place of the EAC Manila dribblers are the EAC-Dasma Generals, who will battle another newcomer in Technological Institute of the Philippines on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. after the opening game at 10 a.m. between the hosts and defending champion Universal College of Las Piñas Dragons.

Completing the heavy four-game bill are Olivarez College and Philippine School of Business Administration at 1 p.m. and Colegio de Sta. Monica against Trace College-Laguna at 2:30 p.m., ushering in the month-long meet also supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

The EAC-Dasma Generals have very big shoes to fill after their Manila counterparts reached the finals last year and fought the Dragons for the crown.