A BUNCH of fresh recruits may not auger well for other teams but the University of the Cordilleras is making wonders as its teams continue to dominate their opponents in volleyball of the 24th Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League.
The UC Jaguars, this season's men's and women's defending champions, blasted separate rivals to earn their second victories in two outings with the Lady Jaguars whipping the Baguio Central University Lady Eagles in three sets, 25-9, 25-12, 25-12 in 54 minutes of action.
Their male counterparts, on the other hand, needed only 47 minutes to dispatch the Eagles, 25-14, 25-9, 25-10 at the UC gym.
Randy Cayat and Ryss William Daguio will be the Jaguars anchor for another title shot for this year in the men's side while Jhiesel Agudia, Maureen Agudia, Felly Ann Basing-at, Mary Ann Biay, Ranel Osway and Clarissa Tolentino will lead some sophomores and rookies in the women's team.
But Coach Yul Benosa of the Jaguars remains upbeat of their championship chances despite the departure of key players.
"We have anticipated it last year, so we started our training early this summer plus the addition of skilled players we infused into our teams and gladly they were able to adapt," said Benosa.
"It all boils down to believing in our team of our chance in duplicating the results of last year. Sabi nga namin sa aming team building activity that Luck is the result when preparation meets opportunity. And we'll [gladly] grab it," added Benosa.
But their skills will still be put to test when they face the other title contenders with the Jaguars facing Saint Louis University and University of Baguio on Aug. 30 and Sept. 1, respectively, for the men and women's contests.
SLU, the Jaguars bitter rival in the women's contest, also swamped down on their opponents eyeing another crown after five years.
The Lady Navigators earlier won against the University of the Philippines Baguio for their second victory needing only 47 minutes with a 25-8, 25-11, 25-16 in three straight set.
Their male counterpart on the other hand, one of UC's tough opponent aside from UB, needed 53 minutes to dispatch Benguet State University in three straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-13.
Also winning in Saturday's game is the Pines City College Lady Warriors securing their win in two outings with a four set victory against Philippine Military Academy Lady Cavaliers, 22-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-20 in 1 hour and 40 minutes of action.
As of press time, the PMA Cavaliers where battling the PCC Warriors while the UB Cardinals where squaring off against the UP Fighting Maroons also at the UC gym.