By ADRIAN STEWART CO

A veteran bench tactician is set to spearhead San Beda University Lady Red Spikers’ revival ahead of the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament next year.

Edgar Barroga has accepted the challenge of handling the Lady Red Spikers team as it aims to bounce back from their dismal campaigns in the past few NCAA seasons.

“I am excited to be part of the San Beda community as the head coach of the women’s volleyball team,” Barroga said.

“I am challenged to bring them to at least the Final Four next season by sharing my experience and knowledge to the team,” he said.

“My coaching staff and management team are motivated to prepare a competitive training program that would bring us to a podium finish if favored timely in two years for the centennial anniversary of the NCAA,” he added.

Serving as assistant coaches for the Lady Red Spikers are Ray Anthony Rosales and Justine Lapid, a former member of the Lady Red Spikers team.

Barroga will have a rookie-laden squad at his disposal, led by Negrenses Gwen Banas, Sophie Cagalawan, Amber Lily Biong, and Gina Espina; and Capiznon Erich Belo Bula, Ilongga Justine Sillo and Jayde dela Cruz.

San Beda also has a number of holdover players in sisters Marianne Louise and Maxinne Joyce Tayag and Negrense Jashcryl Casugod, as well as transferees Reyann Cañete of Negros Occidental, Erin Navarro and Jessica Umali.

Barroga is no stranger to coaching as he previously handled Cignal HD Spikers in the defunct Philippine Super Liga and Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Currently, Barroga is the head coach of Quezon City Gerflor Defenders in the PVL and Nazareth School of National University Bullpups in UAAP boys volleyball.

The Lady Red Spikers finished in ninth place during the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball tournament earlier this year as they won only once in nine matches./ASC, WDJ