The Lady Jaguars of the University of San Jose-Recoletos(USJ-R) swept their way to the top of the 2019 CESAFI women’s volleyball competition, winning all matches against six other colleges and universities.
With a record of 11-0, USJ-R flawlessly defeated the teams from the other schools namely the University of the Southern Philippines-Foundation, University of San Carlos, University of Cebu, Southwestern University, Cebu Doctors University, and Cebu Institute of Technology University. It was in 2010 when USJ-R last reigned as the volleyball champion.
Among their opponents, Middle Blocker Daniella Alfeche said that facing the SWU Cobras was the toughest. The said team is their opponent at the championship match held on November 23.
“Aside sa sila amo na kontra sa championship, complete sila sa players. They have a good setter, powerful spikers, tower blockers, and defensive liberos,” she explained.
Alfeche of USJ-R was also crowned as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2019 CESAFI season.
“Actually, mas happy ko sa pagka-champion namo. Bonus naman po ang MVP title and I’d rather call it Most Valuable Team kaysa sa MVP (player) because we all shared the same level of effort to win this season,” she said.
Last year, USJ-R made it into the championship game but lost the 2018 crown to the USC warriors.
“New system, new coaching staff, new players. I think everything naa sa team is new and that’s what makes it different this year,” Alfeche added.
The members of this year’s team are Trisha Ibarra, Maybelle Cabaron, Jidelle Sabellano, Cherry Sumayang, Pamela Sumayang, Yvett Bejec, Andrea Obrero, Sheena Gajilis, Diana Jamandron, Almarie Pacinio, Debbie Fausto, May Francisco, and Jessa Tiongzon. Their team coach is Michael Simbajon.
Written by Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad
Photo by Brian Ochoa of CDN Digital
