TUBA, Benguet – Itogon and Kapangan did not literally break a sweat after their respective rivals failed to show up in the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup – Women’s Volleyball League Saturday.
Itogon won via default over an Atok side which only had five players.
“Although we won via default, we still wanted to play,” quipped Julie Odlos and Chalene Ivy Licuben, who last Sunday finally tasted their first defeat officially against La Trinidad.
Nearly two months ago, Itogon suffered its worst beating via default when only five players reported for their game against Kibungan.
It was a sort of miscommunication for most of the team members, said coach Oliver Jimenez as many of the players who came from nearer barangays came in two minutes after the defaulting time of 15 minutes.
Fast forward to now, coach Patrick Depolio said that most of his players have classes today, while some had to attend to family duties.
“I can not force them since those are their priorities,” said a dejected Depolio who suffered his fifth loss in six games.
Meanwhile, Kapangan’s Edralyn Mangantolao and Victoria Balabag instead had games among themselves then later turned the time for the supposed game into training session, first in setting then into service.
Kapangan easily took their fifth win in six games, the only loss against La Trinidad at home. Bokod fell to 1-6 win-loss slate.
“We are taking it one game at a time, we are working hard to be in form against especially the stronger teams,” Mangantulao said of Itogon, Tuba and league leader Sablan, which they have yet to meet.
But they are not discounting the teams from Buguias and Mankayan which are just an arm’s length from the five strongest teams.
“They are on the rise and they are good when given the chance,” said Mangantulao of Buguias and Mankayan which are carrying a 2-2 and 3-3, respectively.
Buguias defeated Mankayan in four sets during their meet up last weekend.
With the win, Kapangan thus joined La Trinidad in tie for second place with a 5-1 slate. CEGYCC Release
