CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Beach Volley tournament resumes today with a blockbuster showdown between unbeaten squads University of San Carlos (USC) and University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) that will determine the elimination round topnotcher in the men’s division at the Wiggy’s Beach Resort in Liloan, Cebu.
Both carrying immaculate 3-0 slates, defending champion USC and toughest challenger USJ-R are fighting for the bragging rights and the needed morale-booster as well going into the penultimate round.
The Eugene de la Cerna-coached USC of Roderick Arenasa and Kennith Bensig, which is gunning for a historic three-peat, should brace for an uphill battle as they are up against the fancied USJ-R tandem of Ariel Carumba and Louijie Tipgos.
Before facing USJ-R, USC will take on Jade Becaldo and James Ryan Rivera of the University of the Visayas (UV) in the morning session, while USJ-R will tackle Edward Ybañez and Christopher Ryan Abut of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).
In the distaff side, the powerful University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) manned by Ericka Camille Verano and Harlene Ybarita seeks to extend its five game winning run when it collides with defending champion USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.
USPF of coach Jordan Paca will try to get its sixth straight win against USJ-R’s Joy Bonita and Rachelle Hannah Singson to formally secure the top position in the women’s bracket.
Prior to its game against USPF, the Ave Maria Sanctuary and Park-supported USJ-R hopes to improve its 1-3 win-loss record as it fights against Blanca Anguis and Sheila Marie Padayogdog of the University of Cebu (UC).
Danika Gendrauli and Lorie Mae Layno of the Janeth Ponte-mentored Southwestern University (SWU), toting a 4-1 win-loss card, tackles Jerymie Montalvo and Chona Gesulga of the University of San Carlos (USC) in the curtain-raiser scheduled at 8 am.
Today’s action will determine the four semifinalists in each division. The crossover semis will be contested tomorrow morning to be followed immediately by the battle for third place and the championship matches. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)