Talisay belles keep crown for Cluster 1

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City belles retained their title by sweeping all their opponents to clinch the Cluster I women’s tiara of the 7th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the Bonifacio R. Bacaltos Sports Centrum in the municipality of Sibonga.

After trouncing Minglanilla during the opening day, the rest of the opposition also came tumbling one after the other.

The Talisay City Lady Spikers led veterans Jullett Mae Marikit, Marissa Lagancia, Florian Guttierrez and April Hingpit, fended off Argao, 25-16, 25-11.

The team also beat Sibonga in straight sets 25-16, 25-13 and Naga, 25-11, 25-6. Their final assignment, Carcar also lost in straight sets 25-6, 25-10.

The battle for second place was, however, still to be decided as of this writing between Minglanilla, Sibonga and Naga.

Minglanilla fended off Carcar, 25-7, 25-17, Naga, 25-13, 25-11 and Argao, 25-17, 25-20.

Sibonga, on the other hand, thrashed Minglanilla in a three-set thriller, 17-25, 25-17, 25-22 and Carcar, 23-25, 25-13, 25-20.

Unfortunately, Sibonga bowed to Naga as the latter made it via 25-21, 15-25, 25-20 triumph and then defeated Argao in straight sets, 25-10, 25-23.

As of this writing, the matches between Carcar against Naga and Sibonga against Argao, were still going on.

Talisay City belles will now have a sure quarterfinal seat along with the men’s top two winners, Carcar City and Talisay City and the elementary division champion Minglanilla and Talisay. - THE FREEMAN