Monday, January 05, 2009 Nova cites achievers, patrons during 30th anniversary rites By Henry C. Villalva
THE Negros Occidental Volleyball Association (Nova) marked its 30th anniversary as a local sports association in the province last December 30 with a recognition night at the Grand Regal Hotel.
Commissioner Eric Loretizo of the Philippine Sports Commission, who was the guest of honor and speaker, lauded Nova for its being one of the most organized LSAs in the province and for having produced many outstanding players who were members of the national team to various international competitions.
Nova recognized the contribution of its benefactors through the years, among them Mr. Billy Lopue, the Negros Occidental Cultural & Sports Foundation (NOCSF), University of St. La Salle, Philippine Sports Commission, Visayan Daily Star, Negros Daily Bulletin and Sun.Star Bacolod.
Meanwhile, the Nova Golden Cup Award was handed out to members of Nova teams who won national titles. These included the Nopsscea-WVPrisaa women's volleyball Team which became grand slam champion by virtue of winning national Peisaa titles in 2006 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, 2007 in Iloilo City, and 2008 in Zamboanga City.
The team members were Loverich Jade Aplasca, Kay Aplasca, Julie Ann Billote, Ruby Rose Bordon, Era shane Celis, Laedy Cepeda, Christine Dioso, April Ross Hingpit, Je-an Ledesma, Kristalien Porche Lopez, Jincky Sales, Sheryl Silva, Jenny Torres, Teresa Valdez and Realyn Valeriano.
The team was coached by Roger Banzuela with Marilou Lozada as assistant and Carl Steven Barredo as trainer.
Also cited was the USLS-IS Girls Volleyball Team, Champion of the 2008 Shakey's Girls Volleyball Tournament of Champions. The team members were Chiara Marie Bantiling, Jane Frances Borrero, Kristine Caro, Caryl de la Cruz, Giannes Floradale Dolar, Dancel Jane Dusaran, Fritz Joy Gallenero, Patrisha Kim Rasmo, Ma. Beatriz Dominique Tan, Ma. Gizelle Jessica Tan and Kay Zaldarriaga. Coach was Marilou Lozada with Rebbie Delotindo as assistant coach/trainer.
The other team to be given the Golden Cup Award was the USLS Women's Volleyball Team, Champion 2008 Philippine National University Games (Unigames), composed of Kay Aplasca, Loverich Jade Aplasca, Era Shane Celis, Laedy Cepeda, Sheryl June Denila, April Ross Hingpit, Gianes Dolar, Sheryl Silva, Jerriz Joy Solis, Teresa Valdez, Realyn Valeriano and Marcelina Victoria Yandall.
International Achievement Awards were given to the 1999 Negros-Philippines Men's Volleyball Team that played in the 11th Asian Pacific Cup in Fukouka, Japan composed of Carl Steven Barredo, Aristeo Billena, Rodel Canino, Jorge Dequilla, Junel Lusabia, Richard Policarpio, Wilard Tubal, Alfner Sabusap, Chester Vinet Yelo and Antonio Zaldarriaga Jr. Coach was Roger Banzuela with Tito Java as assistant; the 2004 RP Women's Volleyball Team that played in the 2004 Inter-Religious Peace Sports Festival in Asan, South Korea, composed of Michelle Ortigosa and Lindlee Villanueva, RP Team members; the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Bacolod City with Maureen Penetrante, RP Women's Team member and Edcer Penetrante, RP Men's Team member; the 2006 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship in Manila with RP Team members Michele Laborte, Danilyn Lequigan and Glenda Pintolo; and the 2008 Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championship in Manila with Patty Jane Orendain, RP Youth Team member.
Orendain and former RP Men's Team standout Joeve dela Cruz, who is now US-based, gave the response in behalf of all the award recipients.
