Monday, October 23, 2006 U-Games start today in Bacolod
THE volleyball teams of University of San Carlos (USC) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) are all geared up for the 11th National University Games, which opens today at the University of St. La Salle College in Bacolod City.
USC men's team, mentored by Norvie Labuga, expects tough oppositions from Manila teams Far Eastern University (FEU), Philippine Christian University (PCU), Adamson University and University of the Philippines.
FEU is the champion of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, while the PCU Dolphins are the champions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
USC, on the other hand, prides itself of being the champion of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), the premier inter-collegiate tournament in Cebu. The USC Warriors, which recently tapped the services of Labuga, snared the title for the first time, unseating perennial champion University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).
National titlist
Labuga, a repetitive national titlist in the Nestea Beach Volleyball Championships, said their main goal for joining the competition is for more exposure for the team, and a win would be a bonus.
"We want to get them more stints while the momentum is still there," Labuga said.
Labuga said that while he expects Cesafi MVP Roderick Arenasa to step up, he pushes his team to work together to have a good finish.
"I trust everyone in my team to give their best in this competition. Teamwork will be our key," Labuga said.
Meanwhile, USPF head coach Jordan Paca said he is banking on the court leadership of her trusted player Hopalyn Ybarita.
2nd straight
USPF finished second to the USJ-R in the Cesafi, marking its second straight year to finish next to USJ-R.
Aside from the volleyball competitions, another event opening today is football, which the USC team will compete in. USC, coached by Joshua Fegidero, also won the Cesafi collegiate title.
USC athletic director Fr. Vic Uy only sent the champion teams this year. He refused the entry of the women's volleyball team and men's basketball team, which finished second in the Cesafi.
The other event that Cebuanos are competing in is athletics, which will be participated in by USPF. It will start later this week at the Panaad Stadium. (MCB)
