OLIVAREZ College and Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas hope to establish themselves as the new face of the PGFlex Linoleum-backed Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) when they start their championship series on Thursday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Game time is at 12 noon with both teams excited, having waited so long for a chance at raising the championship trophy and be crowned the new “king” of the league in the absence of perennial title contenders Centro Escolar University and Diliman College.
Third time a charm for Olivarez?
For the Olivarez Sea Lions, they’re hoping that the old saying that the third time is a charm would hold true after losing twice to the CEU Scorpions, the last time two years ago.
Out to lead the Sea Lions are Jhon Patrick Panelo, Rodel Renon and foreign-student Hakim Njiasse – the very same players that led the school to the No. 1 seeding in the event also supported by Akari, CafeFrance, Advance Solutions Inc., Smart Sports, Spalding, Team Rebel Sports, Quintana Sports, Crane Faucet, Hapee Toothpaste, Jiang Nan Restaurant, Vital, Top Flite Academy, Maruyama, and Gerry’s Grill.
This marks PCU-D’s first finals appearance since joining the league in Season 2 – thanks to the consistent efforts of Joshua Diño, Ram Mesqueriola and Kingsley Anaba.
Last season, the Dolphins finished No. 2 in the two-phase elims but were beaten twice by Diliman Blue Dragons in the semis to the disappointment of their supporters.
This time, the Dolphins -- like the Sealions – vowed to give it their all right in Game 1 of their best-of-three title series, knowing full well how important winning an opening game in a short title series.
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