Jaguars complete quarterfinal cast

The Jaguars recovered from a first-set blunder with aplomb to boot out the X-Panthers and complete the eight-team quarterfinal cast of the 1st M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala All Ladies Beach Volleyball Invitational over the weekend at the Wiggy's Beach Resort in Lilo-an, Cebu.

In the other games, the Cebu Diesel Supply-backed University of the Visayas (UV) and Southwestern University (SWU) both completed a four-game elimination round sweep to march into the next round as the top seed in their respective brackets.

Mechell Matuguina and Angielove Cabiles of the Jaguars had a sluggish start resulting to an 18-21 setback to Marissa Lagancia and Elen Pongase of the X-Panthers in the first set.

Facing no tomorrow, Matuguina and Cabiles shot back to life in the second set, 21-18, to forge a rubbermatch. In the deciding set, the Jaguars flustered the X-Panthers with their smart plays to clinch the win, 15-11, and keep their flickering final hopes alive.

Matuguina and Cabiles faces a tall order in their next outing as they clash with the undefeated Bracket B leader UV of 2005 GUV Cup MVP Josabelle Brillo and Janiz Ygot for a semifinal spot in the tournament organized by the M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) through the initiative of its executive director Eddie B. Ybañez.

UV of coach Raffy Briones emerged as the elimination round topnotcher in Bracket B with a clean 4-0 slate capped by a dominating 21-17, 21-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Jullette Marikit and Genie Sabas of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).

Marites Natad and Janelle Tabio of the Thelma Datig-mentored SWU also scored a perfect 4-0 record following a 21-19, 21-9 disposition of Hiroshi's Leizel Manatad and Florianne Gutierrez.

Today's quarterfinal and semifinal battles pits SWU vs. Jaguars, UV vs. MK, Hiroshi vs. USP and USJ-R vs. Exas Philippines.

The survivors will advance into the crossover semifinals, with the top seed slugging it out against the fourth-ranked team and the No.2 qualifier going up against the No.3 squad.

The losers will fight for third place, while winners will clash for the coveted championship of the two-weekend tilt made possible by M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala, ML Pamilya Insurance Plans, M. Lhuillier Pawnshops, Bodytone, Nature's Spring and the municipality of Lilo-an under the leadership of Mayor Maria Anne Sevilla.

Aside from the trophies and medals, the champion will also receive P5,000 and free workout for six months at Bodytone, one of Cebu's leading fitness centers. The second to fourth placers will pocket P3,000, P2,000 and P1,500, respectively.

Special awards will be handed out to the MVP and the "Darling of the Crowd," who will enjoy free workout for three months at Bodytone. - EBV