SWU, UV lead title contenders in Nestea beach volley tourney

CEBU, Philippines - The formidable tandem of Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Princess Anne Pido representing Southwestern University (SWU) will led the cast of women's teams vying for top honors in the Visayas eliminations of the 15th Nestea Beach Volley set from March 9 to 11 at the HK Beach Resort in the municipality of Moalboal.

Gendrauli and Pido, the reigning CESAFI beach volley champs, are expected to face tough opposition from Juvi Carmelle Vinson and Genevieve Dela Cruz of the University of St. Agustin (USA)-Iloilo, Sarah Jane Tanilon and Catherin Mortula of Foundation University (FU)-Dumaguete, Ruby Casipe and Jennifer Cosas of the Univesity of Negros Oriental-Recoletos (UNO-R) and fellow Cebuano players Kaisee Delos Santos and Beatriz Gomez from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R).

“We're ready for the competition and hopefuly we will bring home the crown. We will give our best for sure because we're going to face tough opponents," said Gendrauli.

In the men’s bracket, Jade Becaldo and Mike Abria of the University of the Visayas (UV) are the contenders to watch out for.

University of San Carlos (USC) will be fielding Kennith Bensig and Bon Vincent Estrera, while USJ-R will tap the services Jade Illiut and Jason Uy.

The out-of-town entries include Glen Ventolero and John Michael Acain of FU, Jason James Palma and Izrah Hernando of USA-Iloilo, and Mark Hojilla and Markheen Bendecio of NegOr-Bacolod.

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, Central Philippines University, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion-Iloilo, Cebu Doctors’ University and the University of Cebu (UC) are also set to see action but have yet to reveal their respective lineups.

The top three finishers in the Visayas Leg will earn tickets to the National Finals slated on April 19-21 at the Crystal Sand in Boracay Island.

Aside from trophies and medals, the national champion will take home P100,000, while the second placer will pocket P65,000. The third and fourth will receive P35,000 and P22,500, respectively. (FREEMAN)