The RTM-backed University of St. La Salle came up with the biggest upset of the tournament as it captured the crown in the Baybayon, Looc, Mandaue Volleyball Open after outlasting the heavily favored Philippine Army in the championship game late Thursday night at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
The wards of Fr. Rolando Manayon, the head coach and chief sponsor of the squad as well as the person behind the Pajo National High School high school volleyball program, leaned on the courageous attacks of local prodigy Gretchel Soltones in the fifth set to down the loaded Philippine Army squad, 23-25, 25-13, 19-25, 25-16, 15-12.
The two protagonists went back and forth in the first four sets, setting up a thrilling finale.
Seemingly unfazed by the roster of Philippine Army, a team stacked with members of the RP team such Mayette and Michelle Carolino, Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (Guv) Cup best import awardee Joanne Bunag, Dahlia Cruz and Mary Balse, RTM-USLS Bacolod went to work behind the efforts of setter April Rose Hingpit, Sheryl June Denila, Patty Jane Orendain, Royce Quijano, Janice Dolar and Rebbie Delotindo.
RTM-USLS went home with the cash prize of P30,000 while the runners-up settled for P15,000.
Meanwhile, third place honors went to two-time Guv Cup champions Mandaue City, as they clobbered the Cesafi grandslam champions Southwestern University in straight sets, 25-15, 25-11, 25-15.