CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue spikers succeeded in their initial venture, while Liloan faltered at the start of the men’s quarterfinal action of the 6th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center.
City Cluster champion Mandaue thrashed the equally-tough Minglanilla in come-from-behind fashion.
Minglanilla started hot with a 21-17 lead. However, the Mandauehanons came raging with a surprising 7-0 run courtesy of the high-flying Edward Ybañez, Edward Carlo Tecson, Roderick Arenasa, Jesriel Pino and MVP Ramil Espinosa to a 24-21 advantage.
Minglanilla’s Loujei Tipgos afforded one more point as Ybañez sealed the set for Mandaue with an unconquerable attack, 25-22.
The same scenario happened in the second set, as Minglanilla could have forged a rubber match, 24-20. With a never-say-die attitude, Mandaue’s Ybañez, Endryl Simeon and birthday boy Tolits Moncada powered the squad to tie the score at 24-all.
Tipgos gained another point for Minglanilla, but Ybañez was unstoppable as he made it all the way to a 27-25 finish.
Prior to the match, Mandaue trounced Sta. Fe, 25-22, 25-13, to secure a 2-0 win-loss record. Minglanilla led by Dave Arreza, Leoniel Sanchez and Ken Bhoyd Abunda, had to pass through a three-set thriller before outclassing Barili, 25-20, 22-25, 25-9.
Municipal cluster champion Liloan was not able to destroy to solid defense posted by the towering Talisaynons.
Banking on its exemplary reinforcement, RP team member Rhovel Verayo and Kennith Bensig along with Norvie Labuga, Kevin Casia and Ronald Acojedo, the Talisaynons had an easy victory over Liloan, 25-15, 25-16.
Talisay then fended off Bogo, 25-13, 25-17 to have a 2-0 slate, while Liloan manned by RP Team member Jonrey Sasing and Jade Becaldo, still kept their chances alive as they pummeled Carmen, 25-14, 25-9.
In the other matches, Alcoy with their powerful imports, Roy Ulan and Arnel Amadeo, secured two consecutive wins over Poro via default and Barili, 25-18, 25-19, while Toledo City win over Moalboal, 25-15, 25-17. (THE FREEMAN)