Talisay off to hot start in q’finals

THE DEFENDING champion Talisay City kicked off its title defense on a high note as it took care of Ronda in straight sets at the start of the quarterfinal round in the men’s division of the 2012 Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup late Monday evening at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

Champions for two years running, the Norvie Labuga-powered squad, started their bid for a rare three-peat by taking care of Ronda, 25-22, 25-17, in group A action.

In the same group, Asturias downed Bantayan, 25-20, 26-24. Over in group B, Carcar outlasted a spirited challenge by Moalboal, 25-21, 25-23.

While the men spikers were just getting started, the belles finished their quarterfinal round assignments with the defending champion Mandaue City, as expected, topping group B after handing Catmon its first and only loss in last Monday evening.

Manned by such experienced and established local volleyball players such as former national team member Genie Sabas and former Nestea Beach Volley national champion Jusabelle Brillo along with talented setter Kenette Garces, Mandaue took a step closer towards a third straight crown by defeating Catmon in spite losing the first set, 23-25, 25-22, 25-14.

The win gave Mandaue a perfect 6-0 (win-loss) record after the round, hence, the top seed, while Catmon fell to 5-1 and will face group A leader and last year’s runner-up Talisay City in the semifinals this Friday. Mandaue, on the other hand, takes on Liloan for the right to snatch the other ticket to the finals. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio