14 teams all set for action in M.Lhuillier beach volley

It’s green and go for the 2nd M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala All-Ladies Beach Volley Open this Sunday at Wiggy’s Beach Resort in Liloan, Cebu.

A total of 14 teams divided into two groups of seven will vie for top honors in the month-long tournament organized by the M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) through the efforts of its executive director Eddie B. Ybañez.

Southwestern University (SWU) of coach Janeth Ponte, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) of coach Grace Antigua, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) of coach Jordan Paca are fielding in two teams, signifying their serious bid for the coveted title.

Leading the cast of competitors is defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) of coach Raffy Briones, still manned by the formidable tandem of Jusabelle Brillo and Janez Armie Ygot.

Brillo and Ygot triumphed over the SWU duo of Janelle Tabio and Marites Natad in the final to rule last year’s inaugural staging of the M. Lhuillier beach volley. Brillo and Ygot bested the same rivals to snatch the women’s title in the prestigious Nestea Beach Volley Season 10 in Boracay Island.

This time, Tabio and Natad will have different partners. Tabio will play alongside Florianne Guttierez under SWU Team A, while Natad will team up with Christine Rose Bohol under the banner of Osaka Iridology.

UV is pooled in Bracket B together with USJ-R Team A manned by Michelle Simbajon and Genie Sabas, USPF-A, Inayagan, SWU-A composed of Jessa Satina and Lori Mae Layno, Abellana National School, and RTM of Rev. Fr. Rolando R. Manayon.

Tabio and Natad spearhead Bracket B that also includes Mechelle Matuguina and Marissa Lagancian of Arthro-Heartvit, Jeremie Montalvo and Kimberly Ybañez of the University of San Carlos (USC), Osaka Iridology, Kenneth Garces and Sarah Miculob of MLKP, USPF-B and Aina “Popsie” Laroga and Joy Bonita of USJ-R Team B.

The bracketing of teams was done by tournament manager and Cebu Volleyball Federation (CVF) president Raul Gonzales in a meeting with Ybañez the other night at the Pino! Filipino Cuisine restaurant in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

The competition follows a single round robin format in the elimination round, with the top two teams advancing into the crossover semifinals. The winners will then clash for the championship.

Aside from trophies, the champion will receive P5,000, while the second and third placers will get P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.