Mandaue, PA belles score twinkill in Looc volleyball

CEBU, Philippines - Host Mandaue and the Philippine Army volleybelles opened their respective title bids in stellar fashion, racking up twin victories at the start of the Baybayon, Looc, Mandaue Volleyball Open the other night at the Looc gym.

The Mandauehanons, two-time GUV Cup women's champion, had little trouble in crushing the University of San Carlos (USC) in straight sets, 25-8, 25-18.

They, however, met strong resistance before getting past the Jordan Paca-mentored SWU Lady Cobras.

In the first set, Mandaue kept on chasing SWU, which zoomed to a 17-10 lead. Kennette Garces, Jusabelle Brillo and Jovelyn Gonzaga conspired in a sizzling 6-0 run to pull Mandaue within a hairline, 16-17, but Raphril Aguilar and Marlyn Llagoso scored on consecutive service aces to put SWU on top by three, 20-17.

Displaying a never-say-die spirit, Genie Sabas and Erika Camille Verano delivered powerful attacks to knot the count at 20-all.

Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Fretzie Aligway regained a 23-21 SWU lead, but that was the best they could muster as Mandaue closed the set with a 4-0 bang to turn the tables on the Lady Cobras, 25-23.

It was a completely different story in the second set as Mandaue dictated the pace of the match from the get go leading to a lopsided 25-15 victory.

On the other hand, the PA bets of coach Rico de Guzman also had to pass through some scary moments before getting rid of RTM-La Salle of coach Fr. Rolando T. Manayon.

The two protagonists figured in a close encounter early on resulting into a 9-all deadlock, but the PA belles led by the Carolino sisters Mayette and Michelle along with Joanne Bunag, Dahlia Cruz and Mary Jean Balse staged a blistering 13-5 rally to break the game wide open, 22-14.

RTM-La Salle could only afford two more points from there as Ma Theresa Iratay and Mayette Carolino sealed the game for PA, 25-16.

Seemingly discouraged by the setback, RTM-La Salle went off to a sluggish start in the second set, allowing PA to wrap up the match, 25-20.

In their second assignment, the reigning Shakey’s V-League Open champion frustrated SWU via a 26-24, 25-16 decision.

 “We were not surprised by the performance of the Cebu teams because we already knew beforehand that we will be facing a tough opposition here,” said de Guzman.

It was not all misery though for the RTM-La Salle squad as it thrashed USC, 25-23, 25-18, behind the efforts of April Rose Hingpit, Sheryl June Denila, Patty Jane Orendain, Royce Quijano, Janice Dolar, Rebbie Delotindo and Gretchel Soltones.

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