Mandaue scores double Talisay retains men's title in GUVP Cup volleybal tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue and Talisay overpowered separate foes to successfully defend their respective titles in the 7th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the full-packed Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

It was a double celebration for the Mandauehanons as their younger counterparts blasted the hard-fighting Moalboal side in straight sets, 26-24, 25-20 to claim the inaugural championship of the grassroots (elementary) division.

Prior to that, the Mandaue belles outgunned Talisay in four sets to clinch the women's crown.

They were so dominant in the first set, 24-10, but Talisay charged back in the second set, 25-19, behind the crisp attacks of Joy Gazelle Cases, Florian Guttierrez, April Hingpit and Jullette Mae Marikit.

In the third, the match went close resulting into five deadlock, the last was at 17-all as Philippine Team member Joanne Bunag, Genie Sabas, Erika Camille Verano and Jusabelle Brillo conspired in an 8-1 rally to lift Talisay to a 25-18.

In the fourt set, Mandaue was in full command from the outset on the way to finish off Talisay in lopsided 25-15 fashion.

In the men’s bracket, theTalisay spikers unexpectedly outclassed a solidified Liloan in straight sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-23.

Norvie Labuga, Kennith Bensig and PHL team member Rhovyl Verayo made the most out of Liloan's lackluster start to give Mandaue a 12-point win in the first set.

Liloan put up a good fight in the succeeding sets but Talisay proved to be the more hungrier and determined squad.

Interestingly, the grassroots players turned out to be crowd-pleader as Mandaue and Moalboal showed a very exciting action. When the dust settled, Mandaue ended up carving history.

Yesterday's finale of the six-month tournament was graced by no less than the woman behind country's biggest and grandest volleyball event, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia. She was joined by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia, Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) President Gener Dungo and the rest of Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) officials led by Glenn Soco and Jun San Juan.

Aside from the customized trophies and medals, the champions in the men and women’s division pocketed P100,000 each ,while the runners-up got P50,000. The champion in the grassroots division got P50,000 while the second placer had P30,000. (FREEMAN)