SWU keeps title in Unigames beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Princess Anne Pido of Southwestern University (SWU) completed their fairytale run with a two-set thrashing of Adamson University to clinch back-to-back championships in beach volley event of the 2011 University Games yesterday in Roxas City.

Playing under the sweltering heat of the sun, the Jordan Paca-mentored SWU belles roared off to a lopsided 21-6 victory over the Lady Falcons in the opening set. They followed it up with a decisive 21-12 win to seal the deal in convincing fashion.

“We really made a lot of adjustments at the start of the game because we're a little bit pressured. But as we move along, we're able to establish teamwork and sustained our momentum until the second set,” said Gendrauli, who was paired with Lorie May Layno in winning the title last year.

Pido, for her part, proved she's not only good in the indoor volleyball but as well as in the sand court.

“I’m very happy that we won back-to-back titles. I’m also blessed to be paired with Danika who is already experienced in beach volleyball. Hopefully we can get the three-peat next year,” said Pido.

Paca said he was not wrong in teamming up Gendrauli and Pido as he could already see great potentials in them.

“Both Danika and Princess have the needed skills in beach volley and their teamwork was their key factor in getting the championship. They really communicate inside the court and they know how to counter the attacks of their opponents,” said Paca.

In men's volleyball at the Panay Civic Center, the University of San Carlos (USC) Spiking Warriors failed to book a semifinal ticket after they fell prey to Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 25-19, 25-19, 25-23. (FREEMAN)