USC to tap 2 USJ-R tossers for Shakey’s V-League bid

WITH the competition expected to be cut-throat and fierce, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) women’s volleyball champions University of San Carlos have called on some reinforcements for the Shakeys V-League tournament which kicks off its 10th season this Sunday at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Warriors, which earned the invite to the prestigious tournament by virtue of their title win last year, tapped the services of Regine Obinque and Abigail Praca, both of whom are from the University of San Jose-Recoletos to bolster their cause against some of the best collegiate women’s teams in the country today.

Aeriel Patnongon and Rachel Anne Daquis will beef up the star-studded, intact Ateneo crew chasing a record third straight championship in the season-opening conference.

Patnongon, a former Lady Eagle, and Daquis, the talented former FEU Lady Tam mainstay who also suited up for the Army, will join the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio and setter Jem Ferrer when the Loyola-based squad opens defense of the crown it won over UST in thrilling fashion last year,

The Tigresses, owners of the league’s record six titles, have enlisted former stars Aiza Maizo and Rhea Dimaculangan while two-time champion San Sebastian has recalled resident Thai import Jeng Bualee and two-time MVP Suzanne Roces.

Arellano University, one of the two newcomers signed up two of the league’s ace pioneers and former MVPs Mary Jean Balse and Nerissa Bautista, making the squad an instant title contender.

Reigning NCAA champion Perpetual Help also boasts of two ace reinforcements in Joy Cases and Mei Agarin, while Letran signed up Thai import Patcharee Sangmuang and Melissa Ogana to spearhead its title drive. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio