The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-ADC) Magis Eagles and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars begin their championship showdown when they collide in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the Cesafi volleyball tournament today at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main gym.
The Magis Eagles are aiming for their first title in the league. They were on a roll this season, almost completing a perfect record, beating powerhouse teams such as the USC Warriors and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in the elimination round and ousting the defending champions Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras in the semifinal round.
Ironically, the team that handed them their only loss is the same team they are going up against in the finals.
It can be recalled that the Jaguars handed the Magis Eagles their only loss of the season in the elimination round two weeks ago via a 25–23, 25–21 decision.
“We will just have to work on our reception and overall defense because these are the things we failed to exhibit in our elimination encounter with USJ-R,” said Magis Eagles mentor Mario Sala.
Despite being the favorites in the finals, having won one title in the league, the experienced Jaguars are not taking this finals series lightly as they are expected to have their hands full against Ateneo’s three-headed offensive monster of Jennifer Delos Santos, Danielle Malazarte and team captain Rosdine Claire Torre.
“Ateneo is also a good team. We will just bring our best performance against them to win Game 1,” said USJ-R belle Chriszelle Anne Caasi.
In the boys’ division, the USC Warriors look to reclaim the title they lost a year ago as they face the surprising USPF Panthers.
Game time between the Warriors and the Panthers is slated at 3 p.m. after the 1:30 p.m. match of the Magis Eagles and the Jaguars.