MLSDF-Cebu out of Kinoguitan v'ball

Cebu - The M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) and Titay’s Rosquillos backed-Team Cebu spikers crumbled in their semifinal quest after they were clobbered again by two national squads in the 4th Annual Kinoguitan Volleyball Open 2009 Fiesta Cup yesterday at the Municipal Gymnasium and Seawall in Brgy. Poblacion, Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental.

Team Cebu actually got off a good start against the Philippine Navy, claiming the first set via a 25-17 decision behind the high-octane offense of team captain Jonrey Sasing, Angellan Visoc, Dave Ariza and, playing coach Norvie “Making” Labuga.

With the likes of Edward Carlo Tecson, Roderick Arenasa, Kennith Bensig, Joreem Yu, Dindo Dacaldacal, Clifford Cafe and James Ryan Rivera joining the fray, the spirited Cebuanos sustained their momentum and dictated the pace of the game in the second set.

 Cebu was only two points away from wrapping up the match, 23-21, when disaster suddenly struck the team. Sasing had to be taken out of the game with a sprained ankle he suffered due to a faulty landing after making a block.

“I'm not really okay here. I had difficulty walking because of my swollen feet. It's really unfortunate because we had a very bright chance of beating the Navy. We're in last two points when I got injured," Sasing lamented to The Freeman.

The Navymen capitalized on Cebu's misfortune to rake in the next four points, 25-23, and even the count at one-set apiece.

In the next two sets, the absence of Sasing seemed to have taken its toll on the Cebuanos. Still, they were able to put up a gallant stand only to drop a heart-rending 20-25, 22-25 decision in the end.

In their next quarterfinal assignment, it was the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mainstays who preyed on the crippled Cebuano squad and went on complete a three-game sweep, 25-23, 25-18, 25-15.

Thus, AFP advanced into the semifinal round as the topseed in Bracket A followed by the Philippine Navy.

Despite their foiled title campaign, the Cebuano bets have something to be happy about.

"Inspite of what had happened, we are still happy because it's the first time that Cebu's top volleyball players joined forces and we're immediately up against the national teams. This would be a great experience for us in preparation for future tournaments," said Sasing.

Aside from MLSDF through the efforts of its executive director Eddie B. Ybañez, Team Cebu is also supported by Gerardo “Dodong Gamay” Frasco of Titay's, Philippine Sports Commission, Port Seafood Restaurant, Hon. Danny Lim, Atty. Dionisio Cañete, Shell, Dindo Salon X’clusive, Para Travel and Tours, Guardians GBI, Vital-C, AS-ES Sportswear and Max Agriharvest. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)

Don Bosco, USC rule futsal tourney

Cebu - Don Bosco United and University of San Carlos ruled the 2nd Don Bosco Futsal Competition at the Don Bosco Technology Center in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.

Don Bosco United dislodged Hiroshi via penalty shootout, 3-2.

Don Bosco, which defeated sister-team Don Bosco Alumni in the semifinal round, found a hero in Gets Henson who scored all its three goals.

Hiroshi had its two goals from Prince Anthony.

On the other hand, USC defeated Don Bosco by a hairline, 1-0, to clinch the women’s title. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)