UC Lady Jaguars opens title hunt in BBEAL volleyball

DEFENDING women’s titlist University of the Cordilleras (UC) Lady Jaguars opened their hunt for a seventh crown in volleyball action by whipping their opponent in the opening of the 25th Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL).

Although lacking the quality of players during their six-year championship run, the Lady Jaguars still pushed through with a big opening game by pulsating Pines City Colleges Lady Warriors in three lopsided set, 25-5, 25-3, 25-9, at the BSU gymnasium.

Gone are power hitters Ranel Osway and Jhiesel Agudia, the hardworking Libero Mary Ann Biay and the reliable setter Clarrisa Tolentino but veterans Roxane Almonte, Maureen Agudia, Nica Salazar, Aloise Costales, and hordes of sophomore players remain.

Tolentino, a former varsity player herself who was part of the five straight championships for UC, will now be the Lady Jaguars’ main tactician for the ongoing BBEAL season with Biay on her side as assistant.

“Actually, malaki ‘yung pressure, feeling ko lagpas ulo kasi lima sa starting six namin ang wala na sa line-up,” said Tolentino in an earlier interview.

“We’re just here to play. Saka na natin isipin ‘yung championship when we get there,” added Tolentino.

Tolentino’s antics in the bench will be put to a test when they face archrival Saint Louis University Lady Navigators in the last day of eliminations on September and another title contender, University of Baguio on August 28.

As of this writing, four other games are being played at the BSU gymnasium in the men’s and women’s volleyball contest, while basketball games are also being played at the CCDC gymnasium.

With a theme “Respect, Friendship and Excellence through Sports,” the nine conclave school members formally opened the annual collegiate sports competition.

Member schools include Baguio Central University Eagles, Benguet State University Wildcats, and Cordillera Career Development College Admirals.

Also in the fold are host Pines City Colleges Warriors (PCC), Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers (PMA), Saint Louis University Navigators, University of Baguio Cardinals, University of the Cordilleras Jaguars, and University of the Philippines-Baguio Maroons (UP).

Ten sports discipline will be played in the region's largest gathering of athletes from the different colleges and universities.

Aside from basketball and volleyball, sports disciplines to be played in the first part of the competition are archery, badminton, chess, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and arnis. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 15, 2011.