Nestea fit beach volley season 13 national championships UV, USJ-R, USPF into semis

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – Cebu bets University of the Visayas (UV), University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) trounced separate foes to march into the semifinal round of the Nestea Fit Beach Volley Season 13 National Championship here yesterday.

Jade Becaldo and rookie Precioso Bendijo Jr. of the Raffy Briones-mentored UV easily pummeled Manila's finest, Joshua Alcarde and Jan Berlin Paglinawan of Far Eastern University (FEU), in straight sets, 21-18, 21-19 to move into the next phase of the four-day tournament with a clean 2-0 record.

“I am glad that the boys were able to handle the pressure. I just hope they will be able to fight for the championship,” said Briones.

It's a double whammy for FEU as it also fell prey to another Cebu squad, the USJ-R of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.

USJ-R's Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos entered the penultimate round after thrashing FEU's Alcarde and Paglinawan in dominating fashion, 21-17, 21-16.

“I am grateful that despite our first defeat, the boys fought hard and exerted more efforts in order to fulfill our goal and that is to enter the semi finals. Hopefully we will eventually get the crown. What they really need to have is teamwork because this is the best key for them to succeed,” said Antigua.

Ironically, USJ-R will face UV this morning for a final berth.

In the distaff side, Erika Camille Verano and Apple Saraum of USPF went through rough moments before booking a semis ticket.

Verano and Saraum bowed to Julie Ann Billote and Ruby Rose Bordon of the University of Negros Occidental– Recoletos (UNO-R). Uhe USPF belles won the first set, 14-21, but faltered in the next two frames, 21-17, 15-8. Worse, Verano accidentally stepped on Billote's leg that sprained her right ankle.

Despite the injury, Verano gave her best as they bounced back with a 21-13, 21-14 thrashing of Cindy Benitez and Mary Ann Biay of the University of the Cordilleras.

“Their teamwork was really visible during the game and they fought with all their might. What I am concerned of is the sprained ankle of Erika (Verano).I just hope that God will guide us in our undertakings and grant us the crown,” said USPF coach Thelma Datig.

“I'm thankful that I did not struggle that long as the pain subsided after our match. I just need a little bit rest and we will do our very best to win in the semis against UNO-R,” said Verano.

Today, USPF faces an uphill climb as it takes on its tormentor UNO-R, with the victor advancing into the final. In the other women's semifinal batttle,Angela Benting and Lizlee Ann Gata of Adamson University (ADU) will square off against University of San Agustin's Krystle Marie Suizo and Jackielyn Estoquia.

On the other hand, men's defending champion Foundation University (FU) of Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso reached the semis round after clobbering Mohammad Reza Asakil and Halim Khan of Mindanao State University – Tawi-tawi (MSU-T), 21-16, 27-25.

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