CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Army and the RTM-La Salle booked championship tickets during the penultimate day of the Baybayon, Looc, Mandaue City Volleyball Open the other night at the Looc Gym in Mandaue City.
The Rico de Guzman-mentored Army spikers disposed of their last elimination round opponents University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors in dominating fashion, 25-14, 25-19.
The triumph of the reigning Shakey’s V-League Open champions was spearheaded by the Carolino sisters, Mayette and Michelle, Joanne Bunag, Dahlia Cruz and Mary Jean Balse.
RTM-La Salle, on the other hand, had to pass through a three-set thriller against the Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras before clinching the other championship slot.
The RTM-La Salle of coach Fr. Rolando T. Manayon, made an impressive start as they took the first set, 25-20, behind the powerful attacks of its first stringers from the University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod -- April Rose Hingpit, Sheryl June Denila, Patty Jane Orendain, Royce Quijano, Janice Dolar, Rebbie Delotindo, and the lone Cebuana included in the lineup, Gretchel Soltones of Pajo National High School (PNHS).
The other night’s heavy rains forced organizers to stop the game momentarily as water seeped into the gym.
The break proved to be advantageous for the Lady Cobras, who took the second set behind Raphril Aguilar, Danika Gendrauli, Lorie May Layno, Fretzie and Marlyn Llagoso, via a hard-earned 26-24 decision.
Alarmed by the setback, the RTM-La Salle belles came raging in the deciding set and maneuvered the driver’s seat all the way to the 25-14 victory.
Prior to the match, RTM-La Salle thrashed the Mandaue City in grand fashion, 25-23, 25-21.
The back-to-back Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup women’s champion started hot in the first set courtesy of Genie Sabas, Jusabelle Brillo, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kennette Garces and Erika Camille Verano.
But when the scored reached at 23-20 to Mandaue City’s advantage, RTM-La Salle nailed the latter’s score as the triumvirate of Orendain, Denila and Dolar powered five consecutive attacks for the 25-23 win.
“It’s already given that they (the Philippine Army) were far better than us since they’re already working and playing as a team for years now. However, we will do our very best to give them a good fight in the finals,” said Fr. Manayon.
Aside from trophies, the champion will receive a cash prize of P30,000 while the second and third placers will get P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.
The three-day event is supported by volleyball enthusiast couple, Erlinda and Rene Froilan. It is one of the highlights of the fiesta celebration of Baybayon, Looc, in honor of the Mother of Perpetual Help. (FREEMAN)