Mandaue's Aribal leads 7th GUV Cup awardees

CEBU, Philippines -Diminutive Troy Merth Aribal from Mandaue City was hailed as the Most Valuable Player in the first-ever grassroots division of the 7th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, which closed Saturday at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

When his name was called for the said award, the four-foot-eight team captain of Mandaue City was lifted by his father Dino, who was also the team’s coach.

The award came as a big surprise to them.

It was a dream come true and an advance birthday gift for Aribal who will be turning 12 on December 28.

“This is my long time wish, to have the MVP award, but I will never have the opportunity to get this award without the help of my teammates, who also strived hard for us to end victoriously. I am also grateful to my father who is my coach, for always believing in me and he served as my inspiration and to God for being with us always,” said Aribal.

Team captains of the champion squads, Norvie Labuga of Talisay City and Genie Sabas of Mandaue City also claimed their back-to-back MVP awards in the men and women’s divisions, respectively.

Aside from the MVP award, Sabas was also named as the Best Attacker along with Kennith Bensig of Talisay City and Wella Mae Ortega of Catmon.

The Best Server awards, on the other hand, went to Kent John Tabarong of Moalboal, Kennette Garces of Mandaue and Philippine team beach volley member, Jonrey Sasing of Liloan.

Garces also got the Best Setter award along with Avelino Vidas of Moalboal and Clifford Café of Liloan.

The Best Blockers were Ken Bhoyd Abunda of Carcar Coty, Fretzie Aligway of Liloan and Yvan Jimeno of Moalboal.

Jason Uy of Carcar once again won the Best Libero award for the men’s division and also awarded with the same title were Lovena Amor Pepito of Mandaue and Roland Salingo of Tabogon.

PHL team members Joanne Bunag and Rhovyl Verayo were the Best Imports after spearheading the coveted triumphs for Mandaue and Talisay, respectively.

The Coach of the Year awards went to Liloan coaches Paul Delgado and Chris “Ondo” Mosqueda and Junie Sarsalejo of Tabogon.

Aside from customized trophies and medals, the awardees also received cash incentives. (FREEMAN)