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THE REIGNING Cesafi women's champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) will once again try to prove themselves on the national stage as they troop to Manila for the quarterfinals of the 6th season of the Shakey's V-League, this weekend at the Arena in San Juan City.
The wards of head coach Grace Antigua will be powered by their reinforcement, newly-crowned Nestea Beach Volley national champion, Erika Verano of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).
She is also being joined by another import in the face of former USJ-R setter Kennete Garces. Together, the two are expected to pick up the slack left by aces Michelle Simbajon, Genie Sabas and Julette Marikit.
They will be parading a youthful squad that is raring to see action on the grandest stage of them all, where they will be battling the likes of women volleyball powerhouses University of Sto. Tomas (UST), San Sebastian, Far Eastern University (FEU), Ateneo and Adamson University.
Antigua will be bringing to Manila a squad led by Rachel Hannah Singson, Joy Bonita, Mona Dubduban, Sarah Miculob, Princess Conda, Karla Garces, Myka Padillo, Emmanuelle Gabud, Abigail Praca, Angela lacno and Christina Lavador.
USJ-R was also a guest team last year and almost made it to the semifinal round, if not for heartbreaking loss to the University of St. La Salle Bacolod in the elimination round.
USJ-R's highlight of that tournament, was their victory over the mighty UAAP champions, FEU.
Antigua said that this particular tournament should serve as a huge morale-booster for the team especially since most of the squad has not yet played in any major national tournaments. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio
