Defending champs enter volleynet finals

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champions, Looc and Centro move closer to getting back-to-back titles as they secured championship tickets in the 5th Mandaue City Mayor’s Cup Volleyball Tournament the other day at the Mandaue City Plaza.

Team Looc thrashed Centro in the women’s crossover semi-finals, 25-15, 25-16, behind the powerful attacks of former PHL team youth member and former University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) stalwart Genie Sabas, along with Kenneth Garces, Maye Froilan and former PHL beach volley member Jusabelle Brillo.

Last year’s runner-up, Team Umapad, never allowed to be left behind as they grabbed the other finals slot after fending off Banilad, 25-18, 25-20, with the triumph spearheaded by Apple Eve Saraum and Rochelle Rica of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

In the men’s division, Centro quelled Guizo, in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19. The veteran setter in Clifford Café paced Centro’s victory with strong backing from Wendell Alcos and Ruel Gestopa while the performances showed by the triumvirate of Sid Cortes, Edmund Basubas and Mike Fabia were not enough to destroy Centro’s solid defense.

In the other match, former two-time champion Team Subangdaku of coach Dino Aribal made it to the final match after defeating Looc, 25-15, 25-14.

Unlike last year, Team Subangdaku gathered its original line-up with former University of San Carlos (USC) players Edward Carlo Tecson, Derick Arenasa and Ryan Fuentes.

This tournament is one of the sporting events spearheaded by the Mandaue City Sports Commission (MCSC) as one of the highlights of the fiesta celebration on May 7-8 in honor of St. Joseph. — (FREEMAN)