MLSDF-backed UV, USJ-R off to Boracay

MANILA — Cebu teams secured five of the six slots alloted for the Visayas region in the final battle of the Nestea Beach Volley 11 to be held in the pristine beaches of Boracay Island next month.

The M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF)-supported University of the Visayas (UV) ladies team is already assured of a final outing as it booked a championship match against fellow Cebu team, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars, at the De La Salle-Greenhills sandcourts.

UV coach Raffy Briones got no other instruction to his wards, Janiz Igot and Jusabelle Brillo, but to prove that their 21-16, 21-14 semifinal victory over another Cebu team, Southwestern University (SWU), was no fluke.

Manning the SWU squad were Janelle Tabio and Maritess Natad.

Gennie Sabas and Jullet Marikit of USJ-R under coach Grace Antigua are also assured of a trip to Boracay after beating the Verano sisters, Yvonne and Ericka Camille, of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), 21-11, 21-15.

SWU and USPF will be fighting for the last slot left for the women’s division.

In the men’s side, USPF and the University San Carlos, two Cebu-based squads, who both shared a win and a loss card in the opening day, managed to pull a hard-earned wins in the second day to make it to Boracay.

Mentored by Cecil Jotojot, James Rivera and Roland Melencion of USPF kept their hopes alive by taking a 21-18, 21-10 victory over the University of Negros Oriental-Recoletos.

Rivera, a transferee from USC said after the game, that he is dedicating the win to one of his uncles, who just passed away.

"Kung wa pa to siya mamatay, tan-aw pud to diri siguro ba. Tan-aw gani siya kanunay og muduwa ko og indoor. This is the second time that a member of our family died while I am away for a tournament," said Rivera.

USPF then stretched their dominance to win over Foundation University of Dumaguete City, 21-17, 21-17, to advance to the championship round.

USC, for its part, first defeated University of San Agustin, 21-16, 21-18, in a do-or-die game, to earn the right to meet University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod, which they barely survived, 21-18, 19-21, 15-9.

USC is made up of Carlo Tecson and Roderick Arenasa. Their coach is Eugene dela Cerna and Norvie Labuga.

USLS still has a chance to secure a ticket to Boracay if they win against Foundation University.

The third men’s team from Cebu, USJ-R lost contention after bowing to USC late Tuesday. — Caecent No-ot-Magsumbol