Subangdaku, Looc triumph in Mayor Cortes volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - Teams Subangdaku and Looc bagged the men and women’s titles after reigning supreme over their final assignments in the championship matches of the 3rd Mayor Jonas Cortes Inter-Barangay Volleyball tournament the last Tuesday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

 Inaugural men’s champion, Subangdaku of coach Dino Aribal once again claimed the coveted title after thrashing last year’s oppressor, Team Maguikay, in a four-set battle, 25-18, 25-18, 17-25, 25-19.

 The gritty Subangdaku team made an impressive start after taking the first two sets in dominating fashion, 25-18, 25-18, behind the powerful attacks and solid defenses of Roderick Arenasa, Edward Carlo Tecson, Dennis Sepulveda, Harvey Bernil, Geroel Aragones, Ryan Fuentes and Aldin Potot.

However, they were not able to sustain their momentum after Team Maguikay came raging in third set to win 25-17 end courtesy of the skillful attacks of GUV Cup MVP Ramil Espinosa, Kevin Sia, Arwin Pañe and Endril Simeon.

Seemingly thirsty for victory, Team Subangdaku’s triumvirate, Arenasa, Tecson and Sepulveda, tightened their defense and poured unconquerable attacks to remain seated in the driver’s wrest all the way to seal the victory with a 25-19 finish.

“I’m glad that we were able to claim the title back. With the new reinforcements of the team, I’m much more confident this year since they were able to execute their plays well and they had the determination to really end this season victoriously,” said Aribal.

 In the distaff side, Team Looc snatched the women’s tiara for the first time after pummeling Umapad in a three-set thriller, 25-15, 26-24, 25-19.

 Former RP youth member Genie Sabas and RP team member, Jusabelle Brillo powered Looc in the first set, 25-15, with strong backing coming from Mary Daylin Escudero, Aureen Pero, Milky Ceniza and Marigel Sedereña.

 In the second canto, Umapad of coach Dindo Alilin shocked Looc as their mainstays, Apple Saraum and Jurisa Arofo, spearheaded the team to a 24-all deadlock but Umapad’s score was nailed at 24 as Looc’s Sabas and Brillo made two exemplary kills to end the set at 26-24.

Seemingly discouraged by the two straight losses, the Umapad belles were not able to recover from the setback, thus giving Looc the authority to dominate the final set at 25-19.

 Aside from trophies, Subangdaku and Looc will bring home P20,000 as

champions while the second and third placers will get P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.  

This annual sporting event was organized by the Mandaue City Government in cooperation with the Mandaue City Sports Commission headed by Atty. Hidelito Pascual. (FREEMAN NEWS)