Yap Cup gets going, volleyball tourney debuts
After the success of the inaugural season of its basketball tournament, the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup returns and this time, will include women’s volleyball.
Set to open on October 5, defending champion La Trinidad will have its hands full as it defends the men’s basketball crown.
La Trinidad defeated Bokod in two games in the best-of-three finals to win the cup including cash prizes for the team and a cooperative within the municipality. Similar cash incentives were given to the top four.
Unlike last year where they fielded two teams, the capital town will only have one team as they vie for the top purse in the single round-robin format tournament that will have 15 players, down from 20 last year.
Cyril de Vera won the most valuable player award and was a part of the Benguet all-star team headed by the congressman in facing the Motoclub of former Philippine Basketball Association players in the Benguet All-Star Games in November.
League commissioner Roderick Osis of the Media for Sports Development said the men’s basketball will have a reformat to make the games more exciting.
“After the quarterfinals, the top four teams will engage in a single round-robin format to determine the final two teams. The two best-performing teams from this round will face off in a best-of-three championship series, adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability as teams vie for a coveted finals berth,” said Osis.
In addition, a women’s volleyball tournament for the 13 municipalities will also be included as part of the Congressional Cup.
Just like the basketball competition, the women’s volleyball tournament will be open to all former and current varsity players 18 years old and above and must be residents of the province.
The final four teams will then battle in the semis with the best two teams having a twice-to-beat edge with the winners advancing in a best-of-three finale.
Yap meanwhile said the inclusion of women’s volleyball aims to showcase more local athletic talent and provide a platform for female athletes to shine.
An all-star game will also be part of women’s volleyball that will be played midway in the tournament. CEGYCC Release
