CEBU, Philippines - The Minglanilla teams swept their classification round assignments to rule Cluster 1 and gain automatic semifinal berths in both men and women’s divisions of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup last Sunday at the Sibonga Sports Complex in Sibonga, Cebu.
The Lemuel Dave Arreza-mentored Minglanilla belles scored a clean 5-0 sweep in the women’s bracket. They claimed Dalaguete as their first victim, 25-12, 25-22 and followed it up with a 25-6, 25-18 thrashing of San Fernando, 25-6, 25-18.
Minglanilla, behind the efforts of Mirza Daytia, Loida Grava, Rose Cañizares, Luane Lawian, Niña Caderao and Vanessa Juezan, sustained its sizzling run by whipping Sibonga, 25-13, 15-25, 25-11, and Alcoy, 25-16, 25-16 before winning by default over Argao.
“Their performance inside the court were exemplary. They showed what teamwork really means. They communicate with each other during the actual game. They always think that in every game they’ll face tough opponents so they were so complacent and they strive hard to win,” said Arreza.
“I trust my players. They have greater chances of entering the finals if they will do their best and play with a lot of determination and heart to win,” added Arreza.
In the men’s side, the hard-hitting Minglanilla spikers also ended their two-day joust with a perfect 4-0 record.
Minglanilla of coach Dindo Fernandez kick-started its campaign with 25-12, 25-11 drubbing of Dalaguete before getting past Argao by forfeiture. In their succeeding games, Minglanilla repulsed Sibonga, 25-15, 30-28 and San Fernando 25-13, 25-13.
Among those who powered Minglanilla to the next round were Arreza, Klent Dacayana, Nathaniel Abellano, Mark Albert Rico, Franz Sidy Opsima and Al John Archival.
“Even if I only have eight players because the other two were playing in the CESAFI, I’m glad that the remaining still showed all their efforts for the team’s victory,” said Fernandez.
The runners-up for Cluster 1 were Dalaguete in the women’s division and San Fernando in the men’s category..
The GUV Cup will have its next stop in Boljoon for the Cluster 2 matches this weekend. (FREEMAN NEWS)