CEBU, Philippines - The young and dynamic Southwestern University (SWU) tandem of Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Princess Anne Pido upended veteran Nestea Beach Volley national champions Florian Gutierrez and Jusabelle Brillo in a three-set thriller to win the championship of the 3rd Talisay Beach Volley tournament the other day at the landing site in Brgy. Poblacion, Talisay City.
Gutierrez and Brillo made an impressive start to take the first set, but the gritty SWU belles of coach Jordan Paca bounced back with aplomb in the second set, 21-16, to forge a rubbermatch.
In the decider, Gendrauli and Pido, seemingly motivated by their second set triumph, sustained their momentum and made it all the way to a convincing 15-7 victory.
“We did not expect to win the title because this is just the first time that we played together and also we were up against a well-experienced tandem. But our teamwork, determination and will to win led us to this championship,” said Gendrauli.
“We also had good communication inside the court and if ever we commit mistakes on our attacks and defenses, we readily make up from it,” said Pido.
Gendrauli and Pido stormed into the finals after thrashing Ivy Abella and Jumabelle Abellana, 21-18, 21-16, while Brillo and Gutierrez advanced after eliminating Genie Sabas and Kennette Garces, 21-18, 21-15.
In the battle for third place, Sabas and Garces overpowered Abella and Abellana, 21-15, 21-13.
Aside from medals and trophies, the champion pocketed P5,000, while the second to fourth placers got P4,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. (FREEMAN NEWS)