Cebu - The M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation and Titay’s Rosquillos-backed Cebu selection got off to a flying start in the 4th Annual Kinoguitan Volleyball Open 2009 Fiesta Cup yesterday at the Municipal Gymnasium and Seawall in Brgy. Poblacion, Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental.
The Cebuano spikers hammered John Patrick Caylo All-Stars in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, behind the sterling performances of team captain Jonrey Sasing and playing coach Norvie “Making” Labuga.
The powerful attacks and solid defenses of Angellan Visoc, Joreem Yu, Dindo Dacaldacal, Dave Arreza, Clifford Cafe and James Ryan Rivera also keyed Cebu’s resounding victory.
Cebu though still has a lot of obstacles to hurdle it needs to beat the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Team Butuan and the Philippine Navy to advance into the semifinal round.
In the other bracket, defending champion Foundation University (FU) of Dumaguete City kick-started its title retention bid on a bright note, hacking out an emphatic 25-23, 25-17 win over the Davao All-Stars.
The Dumagueteños have to contend next against Guibone Express, Valencia Bukidnon Golden Harvest, and Philippine Air Force.
Aside from trophies and medals, the champion will receive P45,000, while the second and third will pocket P25,000 and P15,000, respectively. The fourth placer will take home P5,000.
The rest of the Cebu squad’s sponsors are the Philippine Sports Commission, Port Seafood Restaurant, Hon. Danny Lim, Atty. Dionisio Cañete, Shell, Dindo Salon X’clusive, Para Travel and Tours, Guardians GBI, AS-ES Sportswear, and Max Agriharvest. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)