Catmon belles rule Guv Cup

CEBU, Philippines — The Catmon volleybelles clinched the championship trophy in the revival outing of the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup at the expense of the gutsy Consolacion yesterday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The University of Santo Tomas player Abegail Pono and Casey Monique Dongallo-led Catmon spanked Consolacion in four sets, 23-25, 25-16,25-21,25-15, in the final match.

Before the finals, Catmon topped cluster 6 followed by Mandaue at second.In the semifinals, Catmon pulled off a 25-16, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20 win against Talisay while the underrated Consolacion upended Mandaue,25-17,28-26, 25-17.

With their reputation as the best LGU with the best volleyball grassroots program, Catmon sizzles in the second until fourth set after giving Consolacion the opening canto.

Catmon as expected had a good start, but Consolacion slowly picked the pace in the first set. However, Consolacion wasn’t able to sustain its momentum giving the Catmon spikers the chance to take control.

Mitzi Panangin tried her best to lead Consolacion, but the tandem of Pono and Dongallo proved to be too much for them.

Catmon coach Vilma Veloso praised her team after showing excellent teamwork as they made a great adjustment after losing the first set.

 “They (Pono and Dongallo) really carried the team but Catmon also showed great teamwork that’s why we got the win. We made an adjustment after the first set and I’m happy my players responded well,” said Veloso.

Catmon spikers received the championship trophy plus P120,000 for their succesful campaign.

  Dongallo was also named the Most Valuable Player while teammate Iamae Arnaiz was hailed as the best server. Consolacion’s Ann Camille Padayogdog was the best libero as Panangin was the best spiker. Vanessa  Minoza was also named best setter while Talisay’s Angelie Marie Bacalso got the best blocker award.