Roaring start
UM Tagum opens title defense with victory
DEFENDING champion University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum opened its title-retention bid in a dominant fashion with a 25-7, 25-17 win over Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJKIS) in yesterday's opener of the 1st Rebisco Volleyball League (RVL) girls under 18 Regional Finals held at the seventh floor of Martin Hall in Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Jacinto campus.
UM Tagum coach Michael Angelo Paulo said it's still a long way to go.
"The tournament has just started. We will play one game at a time but our main priority here is to finish the eliminations undefeated," he said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao yesterday.
Paulo, however, said this year's competition is more challenging compared to past editions as it has pre-legs prior to the regional finals which means all the qualifiers definitely has what it takes to win.
"There are powerhouse teams like Addu, Davao City National High School and almost all the teams here are really tough," Paulo added in the vernacular. He said though that they will rely on their teamwork and preparation.
UM Tagum will next face Cor Jesu College of Digos City, which defeated Holy Cross College of Sasa 25-20, 25-10 earlier.
Host Addu, meanwhile, demolished Sto Niño National High School 25-16, 25-18, as the Digos City National Comprehensive High School escaped past Davao City National High School, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23.
The PNKJIS, however, redeemed themeselves with a 25-10, 25-18 win over Mati National High School.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Charles Raymond Maxey, RVL national tournament director Johanz Buenvenida, Addu athletics director Noli Ayo and Rebisco marketing specialists Reynan Dela Cruz and Jane Timbengan graced the opening rites.