Guv Cup quarterfinals on today

CEBU, Philippines - Exciting volleyball action blasts off today with the staging of the municipal cluster quarterfinals of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) grounds.

In the first game at 8 am, defending champion Catmon of coach Vilma Veloso opens its title retention bid when it goes up against Cluster I titlist Mingnalilla.

Catmon is expected to squeeze the most from its shining stars in the likes of Palarong Pambansa medallists Methosheena Bate, Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez, Lanie Silvestre, Jerymie Montalvo, Gretchel Soltones and Cristy Sucalit.

In the second game, the Liloan belles will keep their hands busy against Sta. Fe, while the rest of the games in the women’s bracket pit Compostela against Boljoon, Badian opposite Barili and Daanbantayan versus Dalaguete.

In the inaugural men’s division, Liloan of coach Ondo Mosqueda starts its hunt for the historic crown against Dumanjug.

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

Minglanilla, a strong title contender, will go up against Barili in the second match, while the rest of the action features Daanbantayan against Moalboal and Sta. Fe against Catmon.

The top four teams in each category will advance into the semifinals next Saturday along with the city cluster semis.

The city cluster semifinalists are bannered by Mandaue and Talisay in the women and men’s divisions, respectively.

In the women’s class, Mandaue faces Carcar, while Talisay clashes with Danao. In the men’s side, Talisay locks up horns with Carcar, while Mandaue collides withToledo.

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