6TH GUV CUP VOLLEYBALL EVENT: Talisay, Mandaue belles top brackets

CEBU, Philippines - Title favorites Talisay and Mandaue scored impressive victories to secure the top spot in their respective brackets in the quarterfinal round of the 6th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Reigning City Cluster women's champion Talisay thrashed Liloan in straight sets, 25-11, 25-23, behind the thundering attacks of its reinforcement, RP team member Nerrissa “Nene” Bautista, along with Mechelle Matuguina, Jullett Mae Marikit, Florian Guttierrez and Marissa Lagancia.

Mandaue City, on the other hand, went through a three-set thriller before overpowering last year’s municipal cluster champion Catmon.

The Mandauehanons took the first set, 25-14, but one of their star players Erika Camille Verano had to rest early due to a right leg injury.

Seemingly discouraged by Verano’s loss, Mandaue experienced lots of communication errors, allowing the Catmon belles to charge back in the second set, 25-17, courtesy of Melanie Silvestre, Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez and Ma. Abegail Praca.

In the deciding set, the all-star cast of Mandaue in former RP youth member Genie Sabas, RP team member Jusabelle Brillo, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Rachel Singson and Kenneth Garces conjured their strength together to finish off the tough Catmon side, 25-20.

In the other matches, Sta. Fe pummeled Alcoy, 26-24, 25-21, Barili trounced Alcoy, 19-25, 26-24, 25-23, while Minglanilla outclassed Tuburan, 25-19, 25-20.

In the men's division, Toledo fended off Carmen in three sets, 25-19, 24-26, 29-27, to secure its second straight win behind the smart plays of Jan Manalili, Veniel Gemperoso, Allan Caspillo and Jonrey Opone.

The quarterfinal action continues today at the said venue. It will run until Thursday, with the semifinals and finals to be played on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Aside from customized trophies, the champion in the men and women’s divisions will receive P100,000 each, while the runners-up will take home P50,000. (THE FREEMAN)