Minglanilla, Lilo-an, Sta. Fe into semis

CEBU, Philippines - Minglanilla, Lilo-an and Sta. Fe completed the women's semifinal cast in the municipal cluster of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) grounds.

They will join defending champion Catmon into the next phase of the competition that will be played tomorrow.

Minglanilla capped its quarterfinal round campaign with a 25-17, 25-10 crushing of Dalaguete to claim the second spot in bracket A with a 4-1 win-loss record.

Like Catmon, former champion Lilo-an completed a five-game sweep with a 25-17, 25-10 trouncing of Tuburan to top bracket B.

Surprisingly, Sta. Fe barged into the final four with a 4-1 record, but had to pass through some scary moments before fending off Barili in their do-or-die match, 20-25, 26-24, 25-14.

In the crossover semis, Catmon faces Sta. Fe, while Liloan takes on Minglanilla.

In the men's bracket, Lilo-an, Minglanilla and Moalboal are already assured of a semifinal berth.

Lilo-an and Moalboal are currently tied with clean slates.

Liloan of coach Ondo Mosqueda claimed Dalaguete as its latest victim, 25-9, 25-13, while Moalboal were pushed to the limit before getting past the grittyTuburan spikers, 25-23, 29-27.

In bracket B, Minglanilla stayed unbeaten in four games after winning by default over Carmen.

Compostela and Catmon trailed Minglanilla with similar 3-1 win-loss marks. Compostela staved off early elimination after it outsmarted Catmon, 26-24, 25-15.

Compostela and Catmon are in a must-win situation against Sta. Fe and Minglanilla, respectively, to keep their flickering semis hopes alive. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil   (FREEMAN NEWS)