Catmon keeps title defense in motion

CEBU, Philippines - Catmon kept its title retention bid in motion after it outlasted Compostela to stay unbeaten after two games in the municipal cluster quarterfinals of the 5th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The Catmon belles showed what a powerhouse team meant as they pummeled Compostela with relative ease, 25-13, 25-12, to take the temporary lead with a clean 2-0 slate.

The triumph of the Vilma Veloso-coached Catmon was courtesy of the powerful attacks and solid defenses of Methosheena Bate, Athena Sucalit, Catherine Marquez, Lanie Silvestre, Jerymie Montalvo, Gretchel Soltones and Cristy Sucalit.

Liloan, on the other hand, did not have an easy fight as it had to wade through a three-set thriller over Sogod, 5-15, 19-25, 25-17.

Sogod though quickly bounced back but had to go through a gruelling three sets before edging out Tuburan, 24-26, 25-13, 25-12.

Two other teams, Sta. Fe and Minglanilla, joined the winners' circle.   Sta. Fe trounced Badian 28-26, 25-17 while Minglanilla won by default over Daanbantayan.

In the men’s bracket, Catmon mirrored the feat of its women's counterpart after thumping Sta. Fe, 25-23, 27-25.

Another tough title contender Minglanilla stomped Barili, 25-13, 25-17, to barge into the win column.

Moalboal, on the other hand, upended Daanbantayan, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19.

As of this writing yesterday, the other men’s quarterfinal games were still underway.

The top four per category will advance to the semifinals next Saturday along with the top four in the city cluster.

Mandaue and Talisay are leading the cast in the city cluster in both women and men’s division, respectively.

Games in the city cluster feature Mandaue against Carcar and Talisay versus Danao in the women’s division. In the men’s bracket, Talisay plays Carcar while Mandaue takes on Toledo.

The championship will be contested on December 20 starting at 1 pm. -  THE FREEMAN