Manpower woes may hound SWU in Cesafi volley

The Southwestern University Cobras are facing manpower issues when they try to bounce back next year in the Cesafi indoor volleyball tournament. (CDN FILE PHOTO)

Southwestern University’s (SWU) grandslam bid this year came to a disheartening end, and bouncing back next season of the Cesafi indoor volleyball tournament may be an uphill climb for the Spiking Cobras.

Manpower woes may affect SWU’s campaign next year as they are set to lose more than half of its starting lineup.

The two-time league champion Spiking Cobras, who got swept by the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in their best-of-three finals series this year, are set to lose team captain and 2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Royet Varga, Carl Alivio and libero Jewel Cabahug, who have already exhausted their playing years in the league this season.

Earlier this month, the team also learned that its high-leaping rookie Jude Michael Amper, who showed some promise in his rookie year that saw him cracking the starting lineup, has already migrated to Sydney, Australia.

Although it’s not certain yet, the Spiking Cobras are also in danger of losing a key personnel in the middle as six-foot-three John Eduard Carascal and Daniel Alon are set to graduate on March. Both players have yet to decide on whether to play their final year next season.

Though he didn’t provide names, SWU coach Dave Arreza hinted that a group of new players are coming in to reinforce the team.

With the uncertainties surrounding the team, Arreza is hoping that their new team captain Alden Dave Cabaron will lead them back to the top.

The Moalboal, Cebu–native Cabaron admitted feeling the pressure with the gargantuan task of leading the team. He, however, assured that the Spiking Cobras will be ready for any challenges ahead.