Moalboal, 3 others off to hot starts in Cabaron Volleyball Cup

CEBU, Philippines — Host Moalboal, Barili, Badian, and Ronda swept their opening assignments in the 1st Mayor Inocentes Cabaron Invitational Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Moalboal covered court recently.

Moalboal, coached by former national team member Dave Cabaron, relied on Maybelle Cabaron, Shellce de la Rita, Jonabelle Gempeno, Crisha Omagac, Jasmine Airah, and Julianna Gabales in routing Alcantara, 25-9, 25-22 in the women’s division.

Its men’s squad, manned by Jay Joseph Cabaron, Christian Jake Tabacon, John Romeo Abrenica, Rhadney Jay Pinosa and Dave Cabaron as playing coach, had to dig deep before edging past Alcantara, 25-12, 20-25, 25-23.

“It’s been a long time since we got to play in front of our hometown crowd so we will really try our best to win the tournament,” said coach Cabaron, who played for the Philippine national team in the 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Like Moalboal, Barili also pulled a twinkill, with its men’s squad of Aaron Ricaplaza, James Anthony Timagos, John Cydric Bayang, Christian Carampatana, Rachaelus Nemeno, and Sevens Alec Daclan dispatching Malabuyoc, 25-19, 25-20, and its lady spikers bannered by Nestey Geonzon, Myline Yucada, Mary Causin, Sheila Marie Compasion, Althea Mae Uy, and Analie Canete breezing through a 25-17, 25-14 victory over Malabuyoc.

Not to be outdone, Mary Mae Lamberte, Ivie Jane Samotanez, Stephany Caldusa, Harlene May Otoc, Shyra Aspacio, and Joelaica Bejo powered Badian women’s team to a 25-13, 25-23 drubbing of Alegria, while Alvin James Uy, Jun Robie Endrina, Clayton Troy Dacillo, Kim Bryan Bitangga, and Kher Gramatica needed three sets before rallying Badian past Alegria, 25-17, 13-25, 25-22 in the men’s side.

On the other hand, Ronda needed three sets in beating Dumanjug, 25-16, 16-25, 25-15, in the women’s category and 14-25, 25-21, 25-21 in the men’s bracket. – PR