Saturday, March 29, 2008 Negros, Iloilo shuttlers eye national Prisaa crown By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
MERGING the combined powers and talents of the Negros Occidental and Iloilo badminton teams would create the dream squad for the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPrisaa) contingent vying for the title in the forthcoming National Prisaa meet in Zamboangoa City next month.
Right after the victorious minute of the Negrenses and the Ilonggos shuttlers last month at the Amigos Badminton Court in Kalibo, Aklan, coaches from both teams immediately sat down to bring about the strongest squad that would banner the national games.
Iloilo mentor Joy Robinson picked Negros top lady feather artist Rosalie Soberano to augment her ladies team, believing in the Negrense's capability after winning the 2005 NPrisaa title and taking home the Most Valuable Player's award. She had also been in the singles finals for three consecutive years, including last year where she settled behind Iloilo's Annelyn Alba.
With Soberano in the team alongside last year's lady champion Alba are Lynette Esico and Malou Martinez. Robinson said this would be the strongest contingent in this year's competition.
Negros coach Ponciano Celladora, on behalf of coach Jean Vale, selected Iloilo's Ralph Nelson Cajandig to strengthen the men's squad.
Cajandig will boost the team consisting of Alex Borromeo, Salvador Diesmo Jr. and George Mahinay Jr.
