CEBU, Philippines - The gritty Talisay and Mandaue belles stretched their unbeaten streaks to four games in a row, setting themselves up in a possible title showdown for the women's crown of the 6th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center.
With Philippine Team member Nerissa “Nene” Bautista at the cornerstone of their campaign, Talisay racked up another twinkill over Barili and Sta. Fe to top bracket B with an immaculate 4-0 slate.
The Talisaynons, still drawing sterling performances from Mechelle Matuguina, Jullett Mae Marikit, Florian Gutierrez, Marissa Lagancia and Shane Celis, crushed Sta. Fe, 25-15, 25-17 and later on posted an impressive 25-13, 25-12 disposition of Barili.
In bracket A, Mandaue continued to stomped on its opponents with authority. Mandaue fended off Tuburan, 25-5, 25-11, thanks to the aggressive plays of former RP Youth member Genie Sabas, RP Team member Jusabelle Brillo, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Kenneth Garces, Lovena Amor Pepito and Rachel Hanna Singson.
Catmon and Liloan, on the other hand, stayed in the semifinal race after occupying the second spot in their respective brackets with identical 4-1 win-loss cards.
Catmon overpowered Alegria, 25-15, 25-19 and Tuburan, 25-4, 25-2, courtesy of Melanie Silvestre, Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez and Abegail Praca, while Liloan thrashed Sta. Fe, 25-20, 25-19, behind the efforts of Princess Anne Pido, Fritzie Aligway, Katherine Jumapao, Nina Mae Perez and Syrille Rivera.
In the other matches, Minglanilla outclassed Alegria, 25-16, 25-22, but Alegria bounced back with finesse to spank Tuburan, 25-20, 25-19.
Alcoy and Barili both won by default over Pilar.
Aside from customized trophies and medals, the champions in the biggest and grandest volleyball event in the country will pocket P100,000, while the runners-up will get P50,000.
The semifinalists in the men and women’s division will be known today in the last day of the quarterfinal round. The crossover semis will be played tomorrow, while the championship will be contested on Saturday at the said venue. – THE FREEMAN