Powered by the craftiness of Jusabelle Brillo and Janez Armie Igot and the coaching acumen of Raffy Briones, UV vanquished the gritty Southwestern University (SWU) tandem of Janelle Tabio and Marites Natad in the all-Cebu finals, 22-20, 21-15, to rule the women’s division of the 11th Nestea Beach Volley the other day here at the country’s tourist haven.
"Our journey to success all started with tedious preparation. My players practiced so very hard that even during the Holy Week break they kept on training. Our tune-up matches all helped us a lot," said Briones.
It was the third consecutive time in two months that UV bested SWU. The first was during the finals of the 1st M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala All-Ladies Beach Volleyball on March 4 in Liloan, Cebu and then in the Visayas elimination of Nestea beach volleyball two weeks ago in Manila.
"I also admire them (Brillo and Igot) for their perseverance. They have a strong determination and their fighting spirit is beyond question," added Briones.
Briones said Brillo and Igot best illustrated their willpower when they ousted Wendy Anne Semana and Lorelin Astorgia of Far Eastern University (FEU), the feared top team from Luzon.
UV won the first set, 21-11, but FEU fired back in the next frame, 24-22, for forge a rubbermatch. UV was staring defeat with an 11-13 deficit in the decider but showed fortitude in sweeping the next four racks to fluster their foes, 15-13.
Had the Visayanians lost that match, they would have been eliminated.
But fate won’t let that happen.
"After we defeated FEU, I have a gut feel that we will go on to win the championship because they’re the number team from Luzon and they’re the hardest team to beat," said Briones.
Above all, Briones attributed their successful Boracay stint to the power of prayers.
"A week before the tournament, we altogether went to Simala, Sibonga to pray at the Shrine of the Miraculous Virgin Mother. We asked Mother Mary for Her guidance and protection in our Boracay trip. I’m very glad She heard our prayers," said Briones.
It was Briones’ second crown as UV coach for 18 years now. The first was in 2004 when he steered UV to the men’s volleyball championship of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).
Briones could have celebrated a double championship that year had UV did not bow to SWU in the women’s final of the 8th Nestea beach volley.
After four years of trying, it’s now payback time for UV.
When asked what they will do to their P150,000 prize broken down into P75,000 apiece, Brillo and Igot offered varied answers.
"Maybe, I’ll buy a brand new motorcycle so I can have service vehicle," said Brillo.
"Perhaps, I’ll use it to start a small business," butted in Igot.
For now, Briones, Igot and Brillo just want to float in cloud nine and enjoy their glorious moments, unsure whether or not they would be able to defend their crown next year.