CEBU - Defending champions Lapu-Lapu and Liloan handily dismantled separate foes to clinch final tickets in their respective divisions in the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA)-organized 4th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup For Women at the Cebu International Convention Center yesterday.
Lapu-Lapu demolished Toledo in straight sets of a five-set battle, 25-16, 25-17, 25-21 to keep its second straight crown in the City Cluster within reach.
Toledo was in fighting mood in the early goings of the game, but wasn’t able to sustain the power and might the Lapu-Lapu bets displayed.
Even though RP Team memberJusabelle Brillo was not in top form due to a recurring left knee injury, her teammates gamely stepped up to fuel Lapu-Lapu’s offense.
In the opening set, the Lapu-Lapu belles staged a 5-0 to run to post a 18-12 lead, which they translated into a 25-16 victory.
Behind the excellent service of Brillo, Lapu-Lapu greeted the second set with a 6-0 bang. Toledo struggled hard to come out of that deep hole but fumbled as its star player Marites Natad committed a string of costly errors.
The third set story wasn’t any different from the first two, with Lapu-Lapu of team captain Ina Tumabang taking full command of the match on the way to send Toledo packing.
In the Municipal Cluster, Liloan is on course for back-to-back titles with an easy 25-17, 25-12, 25-17 disposition of Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island.
Like Lapu-Lapu, the Liloan bets showed great team effort in stepping one win away from retaining their throne.
Adding to Liloan’s advantage was the fact that Sta. Fe players had to eliminate first Badian in the morning to set up a semifinal showdown with the well-rested Liloan chargers.
Meanwhile, Daanbantayan was still playing against Catmon in the other semifinal match of the Municipal Cluster, while Lapu-Lapu will face either Mandaue or Talisay in ther City Cluster final this afternoon. (THE FREEMAN)