7th GUV Cup opens today

CEBU, Philippines - The long wait is over as the seventh edition of the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, the biggest and grandest volleyball tournament in the country, fires off at 8:30 am today at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

A total of 94 teams from 47 local government units comprising the province of Cebu will take part in the event expected to run for three months. The women's division drew the biggest entries of 47 teams followed by the men's bracket with 27. The latest addition - the elementary category - attracted 20 squads.

For the first time in the seven-year history of the GUV Cup, the “no benching of players” rule will be applied in all three categories.

The rule stipulates that the first stringers will play in the first set, the second six will be in the second set, while in the third set, it would be the coaches’ choice of players. The same sequence will be applied in the semis and championship.

CEVA executive director Jerry Winona Catipay said they are imposing this rule so that all players will be given ample playing time.

“We made this change in order to hone the talents of these players and that everybody will be able to play during their respective games. They better choose the best players in their municipalities,” said Catipay.

After the opening ceremonies, action in Cluster 1 will immediately commence. In the elementary division, Carcar will face Argao, while in the women’s division, Talisay City will clash with Minglanilla.

In the final match of the day, reigning men’s champion Talisay will tackle Carcar.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia will grace the kick-off bash along with Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) president Gener Dungo. They will be joined by Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, Jr., CEVA officials, congressmen and the mayors of different cities and municipalities.   - (THE FREEMAN)