USPF belles earn right to represent PHL in China

CEBU, Philippines - After claiming a national title, the exemplary tandem of Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) is now going international as they will represent the country in the Asian University Beach Volley Competition in China.

This huge opportunity for the former Nestea Beach Volley national champions happened after they fended off the University of the East (UE) during the 1st Student Beach Volley Championships yesterday at their opponents’ home court in Caloocan City.

The duo of Verano and Saraum overpowered the UE belles in dominating fashion, 21-16, 21-14, during their championship clash.

“Our game was okay because we were able to adjust right away despite the windy atmosphere and the extreme heat.

Our communication as partners inside the court worked well, our adjustment in reading the movement of our opponent was also visible and we took advantage of our power services, were the key to our success,” said Verano.

“It was also an advantage for us since we’ve been partners since then and we already know our strengths and weaknesses as partners. I’m glad that Ate Erika motivated me while playing,” Saraum added.

“We’re happy but at the same time we’re quite pressured because we need to show and give our best performances when we play there in China. That’s why we really need to practice more in preparation for our first international stint,” Verano said.

Datig, on the other hand, was quite confident after seeing the performances of her wards during the competition.

“I can sense that they have the chance, that’s why I kept on telling them to just play and make some necessary adjustments if ever one of them commits error. So far, they listened to all my advices and the two performed really well,” said Datig. (FREEMAN)