CEBU Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are hoping to make history when they take on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the knockout finals for the 2019 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) President’s Cup at the FilOil Flying V Center in Manila.
“If they are going to take it easy against us, I think we can surprise them,” said Green Lancers coach Gary Cortes about their chances of winning the title.
The Cesafi champions arrived in Manila last Jan. 26 and immediately trained at the Ynares Center.
“It’s now or never for us. It’s a tough battle, but we really prepared for this. Even before the Cesafi season started, we really aimed to win the PCCL,” said Cortes.
This is just the second time the Green Lancers made the finals of the PCCL. They made it for the first time in 2007 with Greg Slaughter leading the team and Elmer Cabahug coaching.
However, they lost to the Blue Eagles, 71-54.
“I have faith in my players. We really need to win and I have faith that we will win,” said Cortes.
Cortes said four of his veterans hoped to end their stint with the school with a PCCL title. The four are former Cesafi MVP Rey Suerte, Josue Segumpan, Gileant Delator and import Bassier Sackor.
The Blue Eagles are shooting for their fourth PCCL title since the PCCL started in 2003. (ESL OF SuperBalita Cebu)