CEBU, Philippines - Reigning champions, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) started hot as they trounced their respective first assignments at the start of the 14th Nestea Fit Beach Volley-“Battle of the Champions” yesterday at the pristine beaches of Boracay Island.
Another Cebu bet in the men’s division, USPF, also secured its first victory.
The powerful tandem of USJ-R’s Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos made a surprising performance as they fended off their toughest rival, Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso Sayson of Foundation University in awe-inspiring straight sets, 21-18, 21-15.
“I’m surprised that their (Carumba and Tipgos) stamina was very visible in their performance. Defense-wise, their blockings worked out over their towering opponents,” said Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.
Antigua said that she’s worried about Carumba’s health condition since the latter has boils and he seemed to have fever.
“I’m worried of Ariel’s condition because the boil would surely be a hindrance if it becomes worst. But so far, his performance was okay. I just hope that it would not complicate,” Antigua added.
On the other hand, University Games champion, USPF of Edward Ybañez and Marlon Luces shared the same fate as they pummeled Allen Katalbas and John Paul Geollegue of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), 21-8, 21-17.
“They just committed slight errors and good thing was that they were able to communicate with each other. That’s why they blended well,” said coach Cecil Jotojot.
USJ-R will next face University of Sto. Tomas (UST) while USPF will clash with Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT).
In the distaff side, the duo of Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum of USPF opened its quest in grand fashion after thrashing April Anne Sartin and Kesia Mary De Luna of the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 21-16, 21-15.
However, coach Thelma Datig said that they need to do some adjustments.
“Their game was not that good, maybe because they were not used with the depth of the sand and another thing was that they had not practiced together that long,” Datig said.
“I hope that they could recover and make the necessary adjustments needed in their succeeding matches,” Datig added.
USPF faces Commission on Higher Education (CHED) National Games champion, University of Mindanao (UM)-Tagum.
This year’s edition features three brackets for the men and women’s division with the top eight squads automatically advance to quarterfinals this afternoon. (FREEMAN NEWS)