Student versus mentor in Cesafi volley finals

SWU coach Dave Arreza (left) and USJ-R mentor Grace Antigua (right).

Some 15 years ago, Dave Arreza was one of the go-to-guys playing under coach Grace Antigua of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.

But this weekend, Arreza and Antigua will be crossing paths anew. This time, however, they will be in opposing teams as the Arreza-mentored Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras begin their title duel against the Jaguars in the championship round of the Cesafi men’s volleyball tournament at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main Gym.

Arreza, who once led the Jaguars to numerous titles during his five-year stint in Cesafi, is feeling mixed emotions in his second finals match-up with his former coach.

“I’m happy as well as challenged at the same time because we want to take our opportunity to prove ourselves once again,” said Arreza.

One of the highlights of Arreza’s collegiate career was when he helped USJ-R win the 2001 title of the Nestea beach volleyball tournament with Antigua as his coach.

In their first finals encounter in 2014, Arreza outsmarted his former mentor as he buoyed the Cobras to their first ever Cesafi men’s volleyball title.

In an interview with Cebu Daily News, the four-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalist Antigua said she couldn’t be more proud to see her former players excelling in different fields.

“I’m so proud I have players coaching right now like Dave (Arreza), Norvie (Labuga) of USC, Jamel (Macasamat) of Ateneo de Cebu, Jonrey (Sasing) of USC high school and my assistant Heintjie (Tomales),” Antigua said. “It’s a feeling of fulfillment in my volleyball career.”

Antigua, who’s is looking to give USJ-R its first title since 2013, said she didn’t expect her former players to pursue coaching after college but insisted that every time she takes on her former players inside the court, it brings joy and smile to her face.