GUV cup final showdown today at CICC Mandaue, Talisay advance

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Mandaue and Talisay knocked off separate foes to set up a dream title clash in the women's division of the 7th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup today at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

The Mandaue belles fended off Liloan in a four-set battle to claim the first final ticket.

The Mandauehanons took the first set in decisive fashion, 25-10, behind the efforts of Philippine Team member Joanne Bunag along with Genie Sabas and Erika Camille Verano.

Liloan bounced back in the second set, 25-18, through the sterling performances of Neressa Villanueva, Fretzie Aligway, Katherin Jumapao, Aiza Maizo and Jovelyn Gonzaga.

In the third frame, both camps had a very close battle in the early goings before Mandaue cruised to a 25-21 victory.

Mandaue eventually finished off Liloan in the fourth set, 25-20.

In the other semifinal duel, Talisay dismantled Catmon in straight sets.

The Catmon belles actually started hot and posted an early 16-14 lead, but Talisay City’s import Joy Gazelle Cases along with Florian Gutierrez and Jullett Mae Marikit staged an 8-0 rally to snatch the upperhand, 22-16.

From then on, Catmon could only afford two more points as Talisay sealed the set, 25-18.

Fielding in their second stringers, Catmon sprinted to a 15-7 start in the second set behind Catherine Marquez, Mahattma Michelle Ares and Melanie Silvestre.

The Catmon mainstays still enjoyed a commanding 21-12 lead but to their surprise, Talisay dropped a devastating 14-0 bomb to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, 25-21.

Seemingly disappointed , Catmon was not able to recover from there, allowing Talisay to wrap up the match via a 25-16 decision.

In the elementary division, the younger Mandauehanons also advanced into the championship round where they will collide with the Moalboal side.

Mandaue pummeled Santa Fe, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22, while Moalboal stunned Catmon, 14-25, 25-17, 25-19. (FREEMAN)