Cebu Volleyball Bench Open: Hiroshi, Sunsport-USJ-R maintain clean slate

Powerhouse Hiroshi and Sunsport-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) stayed unbeaten in as many games to top its respective brackets in the women's division and advance in the penultimate round of the 2005 Cebu Volleyball Bench Open yesterday at the University of San Carlos (USC) gym.

Hiroshi solidified its lead in bracket A with a 4-0 win-loss card while Sunsport-USJ-R sported a 2-0 card in bracket B.

Hiroshi swept its last two assignments after scoring huge wins over University of San Carlos, 25-16, 25-11, and Osaka in straight sets 25-19, 27-25.

Despite its loss, Osaka still earned a semifinals berth after sporting a 2-1 win loss card and will take on bracket B leader USJ-R in the cross over.

On the other hand, USJ-R is already assured of the seat after it defeated Mandaue and Talisay City in bracket B.

Mandaue went through tough odds before eking past Talisay, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, to complete the semifinal cast.

Mandaue will take on Hiroshi after it finished second in bracket B with a 1-1 card while Talisay lost all its matches.

As of press time the men's team are still being played but Yuuki is already assured of the semifinals slot with 4-0 card in bracket A followed by Lilo-an with 3-1.

It was Yuuki, another Hiroshi bankrolled squad, who handed Lilo-an's first defeat 25-19, 25-18.

USC ranked third with 2-2 record followed by Talisay (2-2), UC (1-3) and Don Bosco College (0-4).

USJ-R had a 2-0 card to pace bracket B after disposing off University of Southern Philippines-Hiroshi, 25-22, 25-17.

USPF-Hiroshi momentarily placed third with 2-1, Foundation University trailed with 2-1, while Sebu Buktors (1-2) and Shaiha Angels (0-4), followed.

The champion will pocket a hefty P50,000 for both the men and women's division while the runners-up will get P25,000.

Six special awards will also be given Bench MVP, who will receive P2,000 worth of Bench gift certificates plus Rudy Project eye wears while the best libero, server, tosser and spiker will get Bench gift certificates and Rudy Project items.