GUV Cup battle enters tougher level

CEBU, Philippines - The Catmon belles bring their title-retention bid in the municipal cluster to a higher level as the quarterfinal round of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup take place on December 12 to 18 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) grounds.

Catmon of coach Vilma Veloso is on course for back-to-back championships after topping the cluster V eliminations via sweep.

Expected to be at the cornerstone of Catmon’s campaign are Palarong Pambansa medalists Methosheena Bate, Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez, Lanie Silvestre and Jerymie Montalvo as well as the two members of reigning Palaro title-holder Gretchel Soltones and Cristy Sucalit.

Completing the quarterfinal cast in the women’s division of the municipal cluster are Minglanilla and Dalaguete (cluster I), Badian and Boljoon (cluster II), Tuburan and Barili (cluster III), Daanbantayan and Sta. Fe (cluster IV), and Catmon and Sogod (cluster V).

In the men’s bracket, Liloan seeks to claim the first ever men’s crown in what is ballyhoed as the biggest volleyball competition in the country.

The Ondo Mosqueda-mentored Liloan will be manned by RP Team member Jonrey Sasing and former USPF stalwarts Angellan Visoc, Clifford Café, Maynard Alijandrino and James Ryan Rivera.

The rest of the quarterfinalists in the men’s class are Minglanilla and Dalaguete (cluster I), Moalboal and Dumanjug (cluster II), Tuburan and Barili (cluster III), Sta. Fe and Daanbantayan (cluster IV) and Catmon and Carmen (cluster V).

The top four teams will advance into the crossover semifinals on December 19.

In the city cluster, the semifinalists are Mandaue, Talisady, Carcar and Danao in the women’s class and Mandaue, Talisay, Carcar and Toledo in the men’s side.

The championship battle in both the municipal and city clusters will be contested on December 20 still at the same venue.— Marigold P. Lebumfacil   (FREEMAN NEWS)