Team Phoenix Cebu bagged twin titles in the 1st Malitbog Southern Leyte Open

CEBU, Philippines - Volleyball Tournament the other night in Malitbog, Southern Leyte.

In the men's division the Phoenix Cebu spikers upended reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) champion University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in four sets to take home the crown.

Behind the flashy moves of James Ryan Rivera, Roy Ulan, Clifford Café, Ronald Melencion, Angellan Visoc and Ben Jaylo Labide, Phoenix Cup swept the first two sets, 25-19, 25-20.

However, the USJ-R Spiking Jaguars bounced back in the third set, 25-20, behind the solid attacks of Leoniel Sanchez, Ken Bhoyd Abunda, Loujei Tipgos, Kevin Casia, Dave Aresa, Dennis Sepulveda and Mark Giducos.

But Phoenix Cebu swiftly made the necessary adjustments to wrap up the match via a hard-earned 25-23 decision.

Unlike their male counterparts, the Phoenix Cebu belles had little trouble in disposing off Southwestern University (SWU) in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22.

Four-time Nestea Beach Volley titlist Florian Guttierrez spearheaded Phoenix Cebu's triumph along with Jullette Mae Marikit, Rachelle Hannah Singson, Ivy Abella, Roselyn Balincasag and Amor Pepito.

Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) secured the third place trophy in both men's and women’s division.

The USPF men’s squad defeated Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), 25-16, 25-14, while its lady comrades bested USJ-R, 25-22, 25-17.