CEBU, Philippines - The vaunted University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) tandem of Edward Ybañez and Jhonrey Opone etched their names in stone as they became the first ever men’s beach volley champion from Cebu in the 14-year history of the University Games.
Ybañez and Opone hammered Beunsuceso Sayson and Elester Dugaduga of Dumaguete City’s Foundation University (FU) in straight sets, 21-17, 21-14, to carve the landmark triumph yesterday at the Ronaldo’s Beach Resort in Tigbauan, Iloilo City.
Although they easily dismantled FU, USPF’s path to glory was not that easy as they had to pass through some scary moments before dispatching the gritty Far Eastern University (FEU) in a three-set thriller, 17-21, 25-23, 15-6, to set up a titular showdown with FU.
“They had a very good teamwork during the championship. They performed so well on all facets of the games,” said USPF coach Cecil Jotojot. “We’re proud and honored to go back to Cebu bringing along with us the men’s beach volley title, which Cebu won for the first time since the start of the University Games.”
In the women’s division, Metosheena Bate and Niña Irish Cortes of the University of San Carlos (USC) could only settle for fourth place after bowing to Ateneo de Manila in straight sets, 21-13, 21-15, in their battle for third place.
“This is a great exposure for them (Bate and Cortes). Even though they’re first timers, they made it to the top four. I’m quiet satisfied with their performance and I’ll do my best to help them improve their skills in preparation for future tournaments,” said USC coach Roderick Arenasa.
At the Central Philippine University (CPU) gym, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Spiking Jaguars of coach Grace Antigua faltered in their title bid as they fell prey to the mighty UAAP champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in their championship duel.
The Spiking Jaguars put up a gallant stand before eventually succumbing to the roaring Tigers of UST in four sets, 25-16, 25-17, 23-25, 25-21. FREEMAN NEWS)