CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City spikers duplicated the feat of their women counterparts after they bested Minglanilla to clinch the men’s Cluster 1 championship with a perfect 6-0 record in the 6th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup last Sunday at the Diosdado Macapagal Sports Complex in Argao, Cebu.
The Talisaynons, behind the smart plays of Norvie Labuga, Kevin Casia and imports Kennith Bensig of the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and RP Team member Rhovyl Verayo, took the first set, 25-22.
However, Minglanilla bounced back in the second set, 25-22, courtesy of last year’s municipal cluster MVP and best coach Dave Arreza, Leoniel Sanchez, Nathaniel Abellano, Kareem Datig and import Ken Bhoyd Abunda of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars.
In the deciding set, the triumvirate of Verayo, Bensig and Labuga powered the Talisay to a convincing 25-15 victory.
“Teamwork was the key element in our victory. Also, our two reinforcements strengthened our performance inside the court. All of us were very much inspired playing together with a Philippine team athlete and this proves to be a good start as we go along in the competition,” said Labuga.
Despite the loss, Minglanilla still advanced into the next phase of the competition after occupying the second spot with a 5-1 slate. (FREEMAN)