Compostela books last semis slot in GUV Cup

CEBU, Philippines - Compostela overcame an opening set drawback to turn back the stubborn Sta. Fe squad in three sets in their sudden-death encounter to book the last semifinal berth in the municipal cluster of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) grounds.

Sta. Fe got off to a flying start and won the first set, 25-22, behind the powerful attacks of University of the Visayas spiker Mart Vincent Giducos, Mark Anthony Cabrera and University of San Jose-Recoletos reserve player Jade Illut.

With their backs pinned against the wall, the Compostela spikers lived up to the challenge and took the second set, 25-22, to forge a rubbermatch.

In the decider, Compostela, with University of San Carlos team captain Alan Velasco, Noli Bohol and Robert Capua on the firing end, dictated the pace of the match from the outset on the way to a crucial 25-21 victory.

In the other games, Minglanilla and Liloan completed a five-game sweep, making them the heavy favorites in today’s semifinal showdown.

Minglanilla hammered Catmon, 26-24, 25-21, while Liloan handily dismantled Moalboal, 25-9, 25-10.

Despite the loss, Moalboal still proceeded into the penultimate round for placing second in bracket B with a 4-1 win-loss record.

In today’s semis action, Liloan takes on Compostela and Minglanilla goes up against Moalboal in the men’s division, while Catmon tackles Sta. Fe and Liloan squares off against Minglanilla in the distaff side.

In the city cluster, Mandaue mixes it up with Carcar and Talisay slugs it out with Danao in the women’s category, while Talisay plays Carcar and Mandaue battles Toledo in the men’s class.

The survivors will then clash for the championship in their respective divisions starting at 8:30 am. to-morrow at the same venue.   (FREEMAN NEWS)