Phoenix rises over Vampires in Sinulog volleyball tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu's Team Phoenix whipped Manila's Vampires in straight sets to claim the inaugural championship of the 2012 Skywalker Sinulog Men's Volleyball League over the weekend at the Citi Sports Gym.

Inspired by the warm cheers of hometown fans, the spirited Phoenix spikers slammed their Manila counterparts, 25-22, 25-22, 25-19, behind the powerful attacks of Joerem Yu, Roy Ulan, Emmanuel Marlon Luces, John Abas, Shane Cardoza and Jason Imperial.

The Cebuanos also nearly swept the individual awards led by Ulan, who romped off the MVP trophy. Yu emerged as the best setter, Luces as the best blocker, Cardoza the most defensive and Imperial the most impressive player.

The other members of Team Phoenix include Judy Martinez, Donald Gorres, Allan Florez, Rey Granada, Norden Rizol, Renato Ulan and Dindo Dacaldacal.

The other individual honorees came from the Vampires squad in Tyron Gian (best server), Allen Mendoza (best attacker) and Felix Magoo (best libero).

In the battle for third, the Blu Spikers overpowered host Skywalkers, 25-20, 25-12, 25-19. - THE FREEMAN