#Palaro2014 Volleyball day 5 quarterfinals wrap-up

LAGUNA, Philippines – Tears were shed, hearts were broken, teams rejoiced, and cheers echoed at the venue as Palaro volleyball quarterfinals trimmed down participating regions from 17 to just four for each category. 

After bringing home the gold in the elementary girls category, and bronze in the Elementary Boys; and after finishing fourth in secondary boys and sixth in the Secondary Girls last year, the Western Visayas region has its eyes on the top prize as they managed to enter the Final Four in all of the categories in volleyball this year. 

In elementary girls category, the defending champs ousted Northern Mindanao in two straight sets, while reigning silver medalist Central Visayas ended Bicol Region’s hopes to advance. Completing the semifinals in this category are NCR and host region Calabarzon. 

Moving to the elementary boys category, Western Visayas scored an upset after sweeping Calabarzon in two straight sets, much to the dismay of the host team after a couple of breaks went against them towards the end of the second set. Defending champs Ilocos also managed to keep their chances on a back-to-back gold medal finish after they took down NCR in three close sets. Central regions in Luzon and Visayas also managed to take a semifinals seat after Central Visayas and Central Luzon defeated Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM, respectively.

Meanwhile in the secondary girls category, Western Visayas dominated Mimaropa in two sets to book a semis date against defending champs NCR, who scored a lopsided sweep against Northern Mindanao. Central Visayas will not be able to have a repeat of their silver medal finish last year as Central Luzon swept them in two sets. Completing the semis qualifiers for this category is Davao Region after edging Eastern Visayas also in two sets. 

Lastly, in the secondary boys category, Western Visayas won over CAR in two sets to battle it out with last year’s silver medalist NCR, who eliminated the Davao Region. Defending champs and host region Calabarzon will try to get back into the finals again after they defeated the Ilocos Region, but Central Visayas will get in their way as the region booked the last semis ticket at the expense of the Zamboanga Peninsula in three hard-fought sets.                  

Here is the round-up of today’s quarterfinals results followed by the schedule of the semifinals tomorrow, May 9, still at the Laguna Sports Complex Main Gymnasium at Sta. Cruz.

– Rappler.com