Showdown of champions

Baby Lancers take on Baby Tamaraws in PSSBC quarterfinals today

The reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) titleholders will go up against their UAAP counterparts in a marquee match-up scheduled at 10:45 am.

UV advanced as the topseed in Group C following lopsided wins over the Mapua University (MU) Red Robins and Paco Citizens Academy Foundation (PCAF), while the Baby Tamaraws emerged as the No.2 qualifier in Group A topped by the San Beda College (SBC) Red Cubs.

Ranged against a powerhouse squad, Baby Lancers coach Gerald Ylaya knows the gravity of the task at hand.

But Ylaya expressed confidence that they have what it takes to overcome the odds that are momentarily stuck against them.

"We come here with so much resolve to do all that we can. We know our limitations that is why we ask the Cebuanos for an extra boost of strength in prayers. Fight with us in spirit," said Ylaya, a twotime Juniors MVP when the CESAFI was still known as the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA).

"We know our strength and advantages. We maximize what little time we have to study our opponents to come up with the perfect Baby Lancers chemistry for every team we come against. That is how we honor each team who are equal champions as we are. We never underestimate," Ylaya added.

In their PSSBC debut, the Baby Lancers are eyeing history as the first provincial team to rule the annual high school league since its inception in 2012.—

EBV