CEBU, Philippines - Team Froilan added another victory to its growing list of titles as it bagged the inaugural championship tiara after thrashing Roble Shipping Lines in the 1st Estaca Women’s Volleyball Open Championships at barangay Estaca, Compostela the other day.
It was a sweet revenge for Team Froilan as they were able to overpower their elimination round oppressor, but it was a hard-earned victory nevertheless as they needed a four-set thriller to prevail.
Roble Shipping made an impressive start as it took the first set, 25-16, courtesy of the powerful attacks of Mechelle Matuguina, Cheche Bohol and Southwestern University stalwarts, Raphril Aguilar, Lorie May Layno, Mary Luilyn Pacinio and USJ-R’s Abegail Praca.
However, Team Froilan bounced back in the second canto, 25-14, powered by former RP Youth member, Genie Sabas and RP team beach volley member, Jusabelle Brillo, Joreen Sanchez along with former Nestea Fit Beach Volley champs, Apple Eve Saraum and Erika Camille Verano.
It was a tightly contested battle in the third set, as they gave the audience a championship-caliber match, which registered three slides before Team Froilan got the set, 28-26.
Seemingly discouraged by the loss, Roble Shipping was not able to recover from the setback as Team Froilan took the driver’s seat from the start and made it all the way to the coveted victory, 25-19.
The University of San Carlos, on the other hand, secured the third place finish after winning over the Warriors via default in the battle for third place.
USC banks on its mainstays, Methosheena Bate, Jerymie Montalvo, Niña Irish Cortes, Suzette Panis and Akemi Aono.
Team Froilan pocketed P5,000 pesos as champions, Roble Shipping had P3,000 while USC and Warriors got P2,000 and P1,000, respectively.
This volleyball event organized by the Purok Mahogany Youth Organization is one of the highlights of their fiesta celebration of barangay Estaca in honor of beloved patron Holy Trinity.
This Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA)-sanctioned sporting event was supported by Sunsport. – THE FREEMAN