Local volleyball will get a boost this year with the expected return of the Cebu Governor’s Cup Volleyball competition.
The Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) said they are looking to start the prestigious volleyball tournament that pits the top players from different towns of the province in August, shortly after the Cebu Governor’s Cup Basketball Tournament which will begin this April and likely to end early July.
In a chat with Cebu Daily News, CPSC executive director Ramil Abing said the volleyball tournament is in its preparation stages since they are still busy taking care of the basketball tournament that starts on April 9 at the Cebu Coliseum.
“We want to start it on the anniversary month [of the province],” Abing said. The founding anniversary of Cebu Province is celebrated every Aug. 6.
The Governor’s Cup was first introduced by former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia. The event had nine editions before coming to a halt in 2013 when her term ended.
Confidence booster
The local volleyball community was elated upon learning about the return of the tournament, saying this could help build the confidence of a lot of potential volleybelles from around the province.
“It’s very nice because it can inspire kids and build the confidence of players when they play outside of their schools,” said University of San Carlos spiker Nemy Rose Pangan.
University of Cebu’s Muriel Keziah Opoc added, “It can enhance and develop the skills of the players and it will add experience, which can help their squads be stronger.”
Among the noted products of the tournament include NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones from Catmon, UST’s Cherry Rondina from Compostela, Philippine Army Lady Troopers’ Genie Sabas from Mandaue and F2 Logistics’ Danika Gendrauli also from Mandaue.
Coaches are also welcoming the return of the tournament.
“It’s good news. It’s a new beginning [for] volleyball in our city and province,” Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu assistant coach Jamel Macasamat said.
“For me [there’s a] need to push for that event so that all student athletes can pursue his or her dream in volleyball. [The tournament] helps them step up. We have many student athletes in our region and we need to develop them by [letting them compete in] big tournaments like the Governor’s Cup,” added Macasamat.
Should everything fall into place, the tournament will have competition for men and women.