Talisay belles dethrone Lapu-Lapu in GUV Cup

After being disqualified last year, the Talisay City belles scored a sweet redemption of sort by dethroning Lapu-Lapu City to emerge as the new champion of the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup yesterday at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Talisay fumbled in the first set but bounced back with aplomb, sweeping the next three sets to stun the Lapu-Lapu standouts.

Lapu-Lapu looked headed to retain its crown when it took the opening frame, 25-20, behind the efforts of last year's MVP Jusabelle Brillo and Joey Ann Jotojot.

Veteran players Mischelle Gimarino and Floriane Gutierez, however, came out firing in the second set to help Talisay pull off the equalizer, 25-17.

The Talisaynons kept on pounding the Lapu-Lapu with their solid defense and decisive attacks to win the third set, 25-19, for a 2-1 led.

Hopes of Lapu-Lapu City to forge a rubbermatch went up in smoke as Talisay kept its poise and composure to wrap up the match via a dominating 25-15 victory in the fourth set.

Talisay, which advanced into the championship by eliminating Mandaue in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18 in the semifinals played earlier in the day, took home the P100,000 grand prize in the tournament organized by the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) headed by Glenn Anthony Soco and supported by the province of Cebu under the flagship of Gov. Gwen Garcia.

Talisay's Floriane Gutierez bagged the coveted MVP honors, while her teammate Gimarino came out with the best setter award with 372 excellent.

Lapu-Lapu's Jusabelle Brillo grabbed the best blocker and attacker commendations with 13 blocks and 100 excellent sets, Janica Jimenez was tabbed as the best libero with 79 digs and 61 receptions, while Toledo's Claire Manalili won the best server citation with 20 good delivery of the ball.

The other members of the Talisay squad are Garneth Cortes, Regie Fernandez, Julia Ledesma, Desiree Valiar, Hariette Abastillas, Rhea Mae Cabanero, Malissa Lagancia, Jumavel Abellana and Haidee Abellana.