PHL teams to join Mandaue Volley Open

CEBU, Philippines - Explosive action will greet the Cebu volleyball fraternity in the new year with the staging of the Baybayon, Looc, Mandaue City Volley Open set from January 3 to 5 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

What makes the three-day tournament more exciting is the entry of two teams from the Philippine Army.

The PHL women’s team will be spearheaded by Joanne Bunag along with the Carolino sisters Michelle and Mayeth, Tina Salak, Mary Jean Balse, Dahlia Cruz, Ers Iratay, Ailyn Ege, Tina Salak and Rachel Anne Daquis.

        They will go up against tough squads from the Queen City of the South led by two-time Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup champion Mandaue City. The rest are Talisay City and the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) champion Southwestern University (SWU).

Mandaue will be powered by former PHL Youth member Genie Sabas along with Erika Camille Verano, Apple Eve Saraum, Kennette Garces, Rachelle Hannah Singson and Jusabelle Brillo, while Talisay will count on Jullette Mae Marikit, Marissa Lagancia and Florian Guttierrez.

The Jordan Paca-mentored SWU Lady Cobras, on the other hand, will squeeze the most from the likes of Princess Anne Pido, Danika Yolanda Gendrauli, Raphril Aguilar and Fritzie Aligway.

Aside from trophies, the champion will receive P30,000, while the second and third placers will get P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Supported by Froilan couple Erlinda and Rene, both diehard patrons of the sport, the event is among the highlights of the annual fiesta of Baybayon, Looc in honor of their beloved Mother of Perpetual Help.  (FREEMAN)