CESAFI women prevail over GUV Cup All-Stars

CEBU, Philippines - The CESAFI team reigned supreme over the GUV Cup squad in the women’s battle of the historic 1st CESAFI vs. GUV Cup All Stars Friendship Game last night at the jam-packed University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The CESAFI women’s team manned mostly by players of reigning champion, Southwestern University (SWU), took the first set in dominating fashion, 25-17, behind the powerful attacks of Erika Camille Verano, Princess Anne Pido, Raphril Aguilar, Abegail Praca and Lorie Mae Layno.

The Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup All-Stars bounced back in the second set, 25-19, behind the efforts of Genie Sabas, Jusabelle Brillo, Jullett Mae Marikit, Kenneth Garces, and Rachelle Hanna Singson.

With more than the trophy as bragging rights is also at stake in this inaugural and one-of-a-kind tournament, the CESAFI All-Stars doubled their efforts in the next set winning, 25-17.

The CESAFI belles again came up with another 25-17 decision in the fourth set of the best-of-five event, to wrap up the match.

Also contributing to CESAFI’s triumph were Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Danalie Baquiro, Fritzie Aligway, Elizabeth Emnace, Mary Luilyn Pacinio, Christalie Picos, Anna Sabanal, Rhea Loayon and Suzette Panis.

“Their performance was really great even my second stringers did their job well and all my players really contributed much in the triumph. In the second set defeat, the girls just lose out of control but they were able to recover right away after the setback,” said coach Jordan Paca.

 “I believe that during the match we had the advantage since they key players is complete, from utility down to the open spikers.

“The tournament was indeed a good exposure to my players, in preparation for the National Collegiate Games,” Paca added.

GUV Cup coach Eugene Ruiz, on the other hand, gave his warmest congratulations to the CESAFI team and admitted that they were no match since they just have two nights practice.

“Lig-on gyud and CESAFI. We only have two nights to practice and it was not enough. Wala kayo nagkabonding ang players, murag nabag-uhan sa ilang mga kauban. But we’re glad that despite the flaws, the girls were still able to manage to win a set,” Ruiz said.

The happiest man last night was CESAFI Commissioner Felix “Boy”

Tiukinhoy, who watched from the start along with Governor Garcia and the officers of the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA).

“I am overwhelmed by the women’s victory. The tournament was a great venue to test the competitiveness of the players and the girls were able to execute well during the games. I was not wrong of initiating this idea of having the all-stars,” said Tiukinhoy.

As of this writing, the men’s action is still being played.

The one-day tournament is presented by Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA), GUV Cup and Sunsport. 

The champion received a trophy and medals from PVF’s newly-elected president, Gener Dungo, who made the pronouncement of making Cebu as the “Volleyball Capital of the Philippines”. (FREEMAN)