Central Visayas ousts Western Visayas; NCR, Calabarzon, NM through

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — With top players Des Cheng and Ana Gopico being benched all throughout the game, the NCR spikers found a gem in opposite Monica Ortiz.

1st set: Monica Ortiz and Caryl Sandoval delivered wing hits that Eastern Visayas can’t defend. It also helped the already-strong NCR that Eastern Visayas was also committing a lot of errors.

2nd set: It was the same story for NCR as they relied once again on Monica Ortiz, who produced 8 points for NCR in the second set. Eastern Visayas’ Sweetzand Petilos had a good 2nd set after producing a lot of blocks for the team but it wasn’t enough as she lacked support from her teammates.

Monica Ortiz was the top scorer for NCR with 15 points (9 attacks, 3 aces and 3 blocks) while Eastern Visayas’ Sweetzand Petilos led the team with 10 points (4 attacks and 6 blocks)

 

Northern Mindanao def. Davao – 24-26, 25-18, 25-22

In the battle between two Mindanao teams, Northern Mindanao used their height to defeat neighbors Davao in three exciting sets.

1st set: Northern Mindanao led easily but when it came down to the closing moments of the sent, it was a complete meltdown as they wasted a 24-20 lead to surrender to a Davao onslaught led by Alyssa Alterado.

2nd set: The second was a different story, though, as Northern Mindanao pulled away from Davao. Standing out in the set is six-footer Alyssa Layug who scored 9 points, 7 from attacks and 2 blocks.

3rd set: The deciding set was an intense one. In danger of being eliminated, both teams gave it their all. It was a showdown between middle blockers Layug and Glenda Agang of Davao.

The decider saw Davao lead for most of the set but this time, the opposite happened as Northern Mindanao made the late run to win the game. 

Layug led Northern Mindanao with 20 points (12 attacks and 8 blocks) while senior Glenda Agang led Davao with 15 points (13 attacks, 1 ace and 2 blocks)

 

 

Central Visayas def. Western Visayas – 25-20, 31-29

In what could be the biggest upset tournament, Central Visayas relied on floor defense to win against perennial powerhouse Western Visayas.

1st set: Central Visayas led in most parts and relied on their heavy spikes to win the game. The home team had 18 spikes alone in the first set. Janelle Cabahug led the team with 6 points all in all. However, it was pure teamwork for the mostly Cebuana squad as all players in the first six had at least 2 points each.

2nd set: It was Western Visayas’ turn to lead but due to their shaky setting, misreceptions and the home crowd who kept on distracting them, the home team was able to pull off an upset despite so many deuces in the game. Rica Jane Rivera and Janelle Cabahug were the clutch players who kept on making their team alive even if Western Visayas was leading in the extension of the set.

Best player in this game no doubt goes to Janelle Cabahug who scored 12 points, all from attacks while Western Visayas’ Kim Gequillana scored 14 points (8 attacks and 6 blocks)

CALABARZON def. Central Luzon – 25-9, 25-18

It was a complete domination for the Southern Luzon squad as they made sure they would make the semifinals this year after missing it last year with a victory against Central Luzon.

1st set: The tandem of Marge Galanza and Yen Ilustre did it again for CALABARZON as they combined for 11 points. The team also benefited from 11 errors of Central Luzon, making it easier for them to win the set. 

2nd set: Although Central Luzon also had their moments especially with Arriane Layug scoring 8 points in this set, the CALABARZON still won with their tremendous attacking. It was the turn of other CALABARZON players to shine as middle blockers Audrey Paran and Anne Necessito combined for 12 points of the team’s attacking output in the second set. – Rappler.com