After a weekend of discontent stemming from the cancellation of the opening games of the Cesafi volleyball tournament last week, Cebu’s best collegiate spikers finally take the stage as the tournament opens today at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) gym in Lahug.

The University of San Carlos (USC) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) kick off their respective title defenses in the men’s and women’s division, respectively, against separate rivals in a jam-packed schedule today.

Back-to-back champions USC Spiking Warriors will take on the Cebu Doctor’s University (CDU) in the men’s division at 4 p.m. while the USJ-R Spiking Lady Jaguars, who are seeking an unprecedented fourth straight title, battle the University of the Visayas (UV) at 10:30 a.m.

USJ-R remains the team to beat with former national youth team members Michelle Simbajon and Genie Sabas, leading the roster along with a formidable support crew composed of Joy Bonita, Sarah Miculob and Aina Laroga.

The road will not be lined with rose petals with the usual play of their toughest rivals, the Lady Panthers of USPF, and the up-and-coming Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras, who will be debuting the spectacular Danika Gendrauli.

Both teams will also be seeing action today as USPF battles USC in the curtain-raiser at 7:30 a.m. while SWU follows suit when they face the University of Cebu (UC) at 9 a.m.

In the men's side, USC will be hard-pressed to fend off the contenders to its crown in the absence of chief spiker Carlo Tecson.