Nestea beach volley season 13 nat'l finals UV, USPF start strong

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines — The University of the Visayas (UV) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) made an impression in their first order of battle in the Nestea Fit Beach Volley Season 13 National Finals here yesterday.

Jade Becaldo and rookie Precioso Bendijo, Jr. of UV gallantly recovered from an opening-set debacle to fluster the equally-tough University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) duo of Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos in a three-set thriller, 19-21, 23-21, 17-15.

“I was so thankful that the boys recovered from their first set loss against USJ-R, which is also a tough team to beat. They had good teamwork already in the remaining sets,” said UV coach Raffy Briones in commending his wards.

The victory was a timely present for Becaldo, who turned 19 years old yesterday.

“We are glad that we made it to the next round. I will not say anything for now because we have a lot of strong opponents, but we will do our very best to really excel in our venture and eventually get the title,” said Becaldo.

Despite its loss though, USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua stayed in contention as it bounced back with a 21-17, 21-12 thrashing of Eden Canlas and Erickson Joseph Ramos of Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

“We really need to win against the rest of our opponents in order to enter the semifinals. The boys had to really make up from their mistakes and I do hope that we will be able to make it to the top,” said Antigua.

In the women’s bracket, Erika Camille Verano and newcomer Apple Saraum of USPF proved to be a strong title contender as they easily manhandled Mindanao’s best, Janice Arnaiz and Jennifer Conde of the University of Mindanao(UM)– Davao in straight sets, 21-13, 22-20.

“They have improved a lot. They now have good teamwork and they played well. I just told the girls to enjoy their game. I am not pressuring them because it will just destroy their performance,” said USPF coach Thelma Datig.

On the other hand, men’s defending champion Foundation University (FU) manned by Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso Sayson opened its title retention bid on a bright note, hacking out a convincing 21-14, 21-18 triumph over Leonel Evan Laraya and James Christian Lorca of San Beda College, 21-14, 21-18.

Mindanao State University (MSU)-Tawi-tawi’s Mohammad Reza Asakil and Halim Khan routed UMD’s Paul John Saraga and Galileo Mascardo, 21-12, 21-16, while Far Eastern University’s Joshua Alcarde and Jan Berlin Paglinawan thumped Mursaid Hajirul and Mohammad Ali Maih of Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT), 21-15, 22-20.

In the other women’s match, University of San Agustin’s Krystle Marie Suizo and Jackielyn Estoquia slammed Cindy Benitez and Mary Ann Biay of the University of the Cordilleras (UC), 21-14, 21-12.

The Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09 is sponsored by Ipanema, Speedo, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu, L’Oreal Paris Elseve, Nautilus by PJ Aranador, Mikasa, D’Mall D’Boracay, Tagum Beach Volleydrome at Rotary Park , Cebu Volleyball Association, Hey! Jude Resort, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Crystal Sand Beach Resort. – THE FREEMAN