CEBU, Philippines - Disheartened by the defeat of their female counterparts, the GUV Cup men's squad gamely rose to the challenge and punched back at the CESAFI stars in four sets, 3-1, during their well-attended Friendship Game the other night at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.
“I was so confident that they could manage the game well. Lahi ang veterans kung moduwa. We have the advantage with our seasoned setter Norvie (Labuga) and the players were just fresh from their stint in the GUV Cup,” said coach Joel Patigayon.
The GUV Cup mainstays waxed hot early and took the first set, 25-20, behind the sterling performances of Norvie Labuga, Jonrey Sasing, Roderick Arenasa, Kennith Bensig, Mike Abria and Jade Becaldo.
The young but skillful CESAFI side just don't want to give up easily, bouncing back with a 25-19 victory in the second set through the efforts of Leoniel Sanchez, Jesriel Pino, Ken Bhoyd Abunda, Kevin Casia, Edward Ybanez, Allan Caspillo and Dennis Sepulveda.
But that proved to be CESAFI's last hurrah as the GUV Cup spikers, banking on their experience and vast maturity, swept the next two frames with uniform scores of 25-18 to seal the deal.
Also contributing to GUV Cup's triumph were Edward Carlo Tecson, Ronald Acojedo, Ronald Moreno, Rolly Mancao, Dave Aresa, Jacky Yrog-irog and Alfred Daan.
“Teamwork was already there since they play together in commercial games. Even if they have come of age, it seemed that volleyball is their life already since they never stopped playing. They continue to inspire the younger generation of players,” said Patigayon.
CESAFI coach Grace Antigua, on the other hand, said her players were not really in good shape though she conceded the GUV Cup players were more experienced.
“Experience wise, the GUV Cup players have the advantage since most of them are ex-varsity players. My players have lots of flaws. They did not have teamwork and proper communication during the match but I’m still glad that they were able to get a set,” said Antigua, a Cebu Sports Hall of Famer.
In the women's showdown, the CESAFI selection downed the GUV Cup belles also in four sets, 25-17, 19-25, 25-17, 25-17. (FREEMAN)