USJ-R, USPF face tall order in Nestea beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) both face an uphill climb as they defend their respective titles in the 14th Nestea Fit Beach Volley national finals dubbed as the “ Battle of the Champions” on April 22 to 24 at the picturesque Boracay Island.

Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos of USJ-R are the reigning champion in the men’s division, while

Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum of USPF are the defending women’s queen.

“Pressured among duwa kay mo-defend mi og title but we will give them a good fight. We’ll wait and see in the actual matches, but for sure we will be giving our best shot,” said USJ-R head coach Grace Antigua, a Cebu Sports Hall of Famer.

“My players need endurance in order to surpass all these challenges because Carumba and Tipgos have been playing mostly in indoor volleyball. It’s a different thing when you play in the sand courts,” added Antigua.

USPF coach Thelma Barina, for her part, has been making some adjustments to bolster the title retention bid of Verano and Saraum.

“I’m making some adjuments for them while playing in the sand courts especially in the right approaches. Teamwork wise, the two are doing better in every practice,” said Datig.

On the other hand, Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) secretary-general Rustico “Ottie” Camangian foresees an exciting and more challenging battle as the best of the best are going up against each other.

“With the new changes that the organizers did to the annual tournament, I’m pretty sure that the competition will be tougher among the participating teams,” said Camangian.

“With UST’s inclusion this time, being the UAAP champion, they will not take this as an easy job as they aim to clinch the men’s title and at the same time Foundation University, a former champion, is also thirsty in regaining their throne,” he added.

Aside from USJ-R, UST and FU, the men’s bracket is composed of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of Perpetual System-Laguna, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Mindanao State University (MSU)-Tawi-tawi and Maharlika Institute of Technology (MIT).

Joining USPF in the distaff side are Adamson University (UAAP), University of Perpetual Help Dalta System (NCAA), Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñasa, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, Central Philippines University (CPU), University of Mindanao-Tagum and MSU-Tawitawi.

Aside from trophies and medals, the champion in the men and women’s categories will receive P100, 000 each. -  THE FREEMAN