Cebu Province, USC reign supreme

Cebu Province and University of San Carlos successfully clinched the title in their respective divisions in the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Volleyball Open at the USC main campus gym yesterday.

Cebu Province slammed iConnect-Southwestern University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-15, 25-14, to rule the men’s division.

“We joined this event to prepare them for the Philippine National Games and we are glad that the boys delivered,” said Cebu Provincial Sports Commission’s Executive Director Attorney Ramil Abing.

iConnect-SWU spikers were aggressive at the start, but failed to match the Cebu Province boys intensity in offense led by Dave Cabaron.

Cabaron showed consistency all throughout the game, while Ariel Carumba and Mark John Pacquiao also gave SWU a problem on defense.

Cebu Province’s team captain Norvie Labuga was hailed as the MVP while teammates Godwin Canete and Cabaron were named as best libero and best outside hitter. SWU’s Mark Kevin Petacio was awarded best setter.

In the women’s action, USC lady spikers grabbed the title after surviving a scare from Cebu Spikers Volleyball Club, 25-18, 25-21, 16-25, 23-25, 15-10.

The Carolinians started strong as they won the first and second set, but the CSVC, composed of former varsity players from SWU, fired back in the third and fourth canto to force a deciding fifth set.

The USC belles were able to regain energy as they stayed composed to pull off a thrilling victory.

USC’s MVP Julia Garcia bagged the MVP award, while teammates Christa Gonzales, Jessa Estose and Shiela Ricahuerta were named best server, best libero and best blocker. CSVC’s Shiela Bongo won the best opposite hitter.

Earlier, USC men’s grabbed the third place trophy after beating University of San Jose- Recoletos, 25-21, 25-15, 25-19, while Team Mandaue settled for third in the women’s class with a 25-20, 25-20, 18-25, 25-20 win over University of Southern Philippines Foundation.—

Caecent Noot Magsumbol