The USJ-R Lady Jaguars with head coach Grace Antigua (center, standing).
contributed photo
Despite losing to SWU in the past two finals, USJ-R remains confident
Tortured by the memory of back-to-back finals losses, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) still clings to the hope that it could solve the puzzle that is the defending champions Southwestern University (SWU)–Phinma in this year’s Cesafi women’s volleyball finals.
The Lady Jaguars, who finished second in the past two years, defeated the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in a four-set thriller last weekend to set up a third straight titular-showdown with the Lady Cobras starting this Sunday.
Before their best-of-three finals series unfolds, the two squads will meet this Saturday in a non-bearing match to wrap up the round-robin semifinals.
Although the Lady Cobras remain the favorites to win it all this year having won seven of their last nine matchups against USJ-R in the past three years, multi-titled Lady Jaguars mentor Grace Antigua is positive her team can pull off the improbable. But they will have to improve their overall defense in order to achieve that.
“SWU is really strong. Almost every one of them can score. So we will [have to play good] defense,” Antigua said.
USJ-R’s last win against SWU-Phinma was during last year’s round-robin semis.
In their lone encounter with SWU-Phinma this season, the Lady Jaguars lost, 25-17, 25-22, 25-18, in the elimination round.
Still, Antigua believes her wards can get over that hump.
“It all boils down to their heart during the game. If they want to win, they can do it. Everything should be consistent from service to blocking,” Antigua said.