CESAFI beach volley to push through

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) beach volley competition will push through as one slot is intended for the tournament’s champion to compete in the 14th Nestea Fit Beach Volley Champion’s Cup on April 22-25 in Boracay Island .

Unfortunately, only the women’s champion will gain a berth to the biggest beach volley event in the country since the men’s slot was already secured by Dumaguete athletes.

Last year, CESAFI Commissioner Felix O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. decided not to stage the CESAFI beach volley because of the indoor volleyball fiasco. When the news reached to the organizers, they decided to give the slots to Dumaguete.

However, Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) secretary-general Rustico “Ottie” Camangian said that only the men’s division was well represented, while the women’s bracket was only participated by two teams.

“We decided that only the men’s champion will be taken from the Dumaguete tournament and the women’s division will be from the CESAFI,” Camangian said.

In as much as they would like to have two representatives from the CESAFI, they already have given a word to Dumaguete.

“It would be unethical if we would take back what we’ve said to them. That’s why were making this proposal to give fairness to both camps,” Camangian said.         

Expected to dive into action in the national finals are the men and women’s defending champion Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos of the University of San Jose-Recoletos and the tandem of Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation.

After making history for claiming the inaugural title of the University Games men’s beach volley competition last October in Iloilo City, USPF also secured a ticket to the national finals courtesy of Edward Ybañez and Marlon Luces. (FREEMAN NEWS)