Mishal beats Corniche Spiker for JUBA volleyball title

Al Mishal volleyball team clinched its first-ever title after beating Corniche Spiker in three straight sets 25-23, 25-20, 25-18, during the three-day Haj Invitational Volleyball Friendship Games organized by Jubail Balibolista at Al Suwaidi Main Camp, Jubail.
Al Mishal, downed by its biggest spoiler G & V Farm Team in the elimination round, reasserted its might, power and all last Friday night, dominating the net and playing solid floor defense for the victory to earn a reputation as the next volleyball force to reckon with.
After a sluggish start in the first set due to headaches given by Corniche’s power smash hitters Racy Manalon and James Macabangon, the never-say-die Mishal applied pressure and maneuvered the game in the second set.
Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee Biboy Peniano paced the victors with 13 kills, 8 digs and 4 service winners. Best Spiker awardee MJ De Guia added several kills, while Romeo Jabonete, Danilo Pinol and George Namiaz provided rock solid floor defense that helped their team to the coveted title.
In the crucial third set, the ding-dong fight continued as the two teams tried to outgun each other in a seesaw battle, the scores highlighted with several deadlocks before Corniche loosened its grip and lost the chance to extend the game succumbing to fatigue.
“We’re almost there if not for the game format. It's hard to give them a best fight if not with the ladder system format, but rule is rule, we have no choice but to equalize their long potent lineup” Mishal team captain Joseph Araullo commented after the game. Despite the loss, Corniche was satisfied with its performance. “All we need is to reassemble and get ready for the next challenge,” Araullo added.
With Peniano as MVP, his teammate Jaime Artienda III was awarded Best Setter and MJ De Guia Best Spiker. Joining them were Michael Hinanay (Best Digger), Mark San Diego (Best Server), and Racy Manalon (Best Blocker). Completing the Mythical Six Selection are Noel Diaz (Nene Team), George Namiaz (Al Mishal Team), Anthony Paul Varquez (Volcano Team), James Macabangon (Corniche Team), Exequiel Beso (Nene Team) and Jun Miral (Corniche Team).
Other members of the champion team are Rodrigo Rico, Rommel Lucenda, Darwin Nidoy, Ronnie Velasco and Edgie Padua.
The Jubail Balibolista is launching activities, among them, a bi-yearly tournament for all volleyball aficionados based in Jubail area and nearby districts. In his closing speech, JUBA Overall Committee Chairman Andee Anoche Cauyan said “this 3 days event which aim to poster camaraderie and friendship among volleyball enthusiasts in our city is important to measure our potential and commitment in holding a bigger tournament. This is testing the waters for all of us, and I am quite happy with the turnout of this task, thank you for all your support, cooperation and understanding in making our tournament a big success”. “This is our new start and a new beginning for a better organized volleyball sports event,” Cauyan added.
Al Suwaidi Holding Company, Al Suwaidi Catering Services, Al Suwaidi Industrial Services, Intercontinental Hotel – Jubail, Al Majal Company, Salon de Manila, Garry Gelanggala of G & V Farms, Mikee Salon, Al Mishal Company and Alfredo Villafuerte sponsored the tournament.
Abner L. Garcia, JUBA adviser, applauded the Organizing Committee for a job well done. In his congratulatory message he said “Congratulations to you (Andy Anoche Cauyan), as head/team leader of the organizing committee and to all the teams! Truly it made another history for Al-Suwaidi and patrons/supporters for this achievement, we salute you all” Also, many thanks to our camp and catering (SSC Management) who have supported us all throughout the tournament. With them as our partners made it all possible”.
Cris Peralta hosted the closing ceremony and provided live entertainment to the crowd.