Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Badian beats Boljoon in straight sets for Cluster II crown
AFTER waiting for a week, Boljoon’s preparations went down the drain after Badian usurped the cluster II crown of the 2nd Gov.Gwen Garcia Unity Cup Volleyball Tournament for Women last Sunday at the Alegria Sports Complex.
Badian met little resistance from the erstwhile champions, as it won in straight sets, 25-14, 25-16, to claim the P20,000 cash prize. Despite losing, Boljoon still has a chance to redeem itself as it joins Badian in the next round with Cluster I top two teams Talisay and Minglanilla, and the other finalists from other clusters.
Impressive run
Still hot from its impressive run since Saturday, momentum was on Badian’s side as Boljoon has been on a standstill for a week while waiting for its opponent in the finals.
Finals slot
Boljoon bagged the first finals slot after winning in Cluster II-A the other week.
Both teams are skippered by University of San Jose Recoletos stalwarts Mechell Matuguina and Kim Gendrauli. Gendrauli was already on her last year on the varsity team when Matuguina was on her first year.
Having former USJ-R captain Matuguina on their side did not help Boljoon as it became a virtual one-woman show. In contrast, what led Badian’s win were its teamwork, solid defense and effective leadership of Gendrauli, who was eventually named the Best Player for Cluster II.
Gargantuan
Badian overcame a gargantuan task, winning all of its assignments for two days before finally winning in cluster II-B against Moalboal, 25-16, 25-22.
Moalboal was also considered one of the top contenders as it also finished the elimination round with a clean slate.
The new champion defeated Alcantara, 25-9, 25-16 in the semifinals, while Moalboal ousted Dumanjug, 25-21, 25-9.
The competition resume this weekend in Toledo for Cluster III. Toledo is last year’s runner-up to defending champion Lapu-Lapu City. (MCB)
