USJ-R hopes to start strong in semifinals

LAST YEAR’S runner-up, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Spiking Jaguars, look to start their semifinal campaign strong as they take on the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors today (Saturday) in the Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s volleyball tournament at the USC Main Campus gym.
The Spiking Jaguars have made it known that they are shooting for the title this year as they racked up five victories in six games.
Multi-titled USJ-R head coach Grace Antigua said the team has always set its sights on the top two spots in every Cesafi tournament.
“As much as possible we’re in the top two. Almost every season the men’s team always lands in the top two,” Antigua said.
Also in the men’s division, the defending champions Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras begin their semis bid against the resilient University of Southern Philippine-Foundation (USP-F) Panthers.
The semifinal round will follow a round-robin format with the top two teams advancing to the finals.
In the girls’ division, USJ-R (6-0) will look to maintain its winning ways when it takes on the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo De Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles.
The Magis Eagles made it to the semifinals by virtue of the quotient system after finishing with identical 2-4 (win-loss) records with the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters and USP-F.
Also in the girls’ division, defending champion USC aims to start its bid for back-to-back titles on a strong note as it faces off with SWU.
Both teams met in the first round and it was an ugly scene for the Warriors as they lost in three sets, 25-18, 22-25, 25-13.
In the women’s division, UC looks to end its season on a high note as it guns for its first win of the season when it takes on SWU.
It has been a forgettable season for the Webmasters, failing to get that elusive first win in their division.
The semifinalists in the women’s side are USJ-R, USC, USP-F and SWU. Their semifinal round starts  tomorrow.