Defending champ USJ-R, CIT-U meet for finals spot

Reigning champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) gun for revenge while the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) hope to continue their mastery over the Jaguars as both teams fight for the last finals ticket today in the round-robin semifinals of the Cesafi men’s volleyball tournament at 8:30 a.m. in the University of San Carlos Gym.

Last Sunday, the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma moved to the finals following a straight-set victory against USJ-R.

As they look to redeem themselves, Spiking Jaguars mentor Grace Antigua believes that the team should play consistent defense to avenge their 22-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-21 elimination round loss to CIT-U last Sept. 10 and more importantly advance to the finals.

“They should be consistent in defense especially our blocking and everything will just follow,” Antigua said.

For Wildcats mentor Armel Loon who has steered CIT-U to its first semifinal appearance in the league and possibly a historic finals debut this year, they will be making a little adjustment in the game.

“Maybe we’ll just make little adjustments for the players to not get lost in the rotation,” Loon said.

Also in men’s play, SWU-Phinma will be taking on UV in a non-bearing game at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, on the distaff side, defending champions SWU-Phinma and USJ-R hope to gain the all-important psychological advantage heading into their finals encounter tomorrow, when they test each other in this afternoon’s semis.