15th Nestea Beach Volley UV's Becaldo, Abria rule

CEBU, Philippines - The formidable University of the Visayas (UV) tandem of Jade Becaldo and Mike Abria outlasted Jason Uy and Jade Illut of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in straight sets to rule the men's division of the 15th Nestea Beach Volley National Finals yesterday at the Crystal Sand Beach Resort in Boracay Island.

Becaldo and Abria thrashed the neophyte USJ-R duo, 21-16, 21-19 to take home the coveted title that went along with the P100,000 bounty.

“It was a good game because USJ-R was also in fighting mood. It was not an easy victory because we went through the loser's bracket. I believe that when they are ranged against tough opponents, it motivated them more to come out victorious. Their teamwork and will to win led them to this sweet triumph,” said UV head coach Rafy Briones.

Briones felt proud that UV is the only school in Cebu that produced national champions in both divisions. Jusabelle Brillo and Janice Igot secured the women’s tiara in 2007.

“This is the second time that we made it to the national finals and finally we won the crown. All our sacrifices really paid off. It’s a great honor and pride to bring back to Cebu the fame that we once had in the previous years. We worked hard for this victory,” said Becaldo.

Despite their setback, Illut and Uy can still hold their heads up high as they never expected to advance into the finals.

“We were not expecting that we could make it all the way to the finals. We are very thankful to our coach (Grace Antigua) for guiding us and believing in our capacity even if we are just first timers in beach volley,” said Uy.

In the crossover semifinals, Becaldo and Abria thumped Mindanao champion Daryl Kim Lapiz and Jefty Amora of the University of Mindanao-Tagum in a three-set thriller, 21-16, 16-21, 15-8, while Uy and Illut bested National Capital Region (NCR) champs, John Carlo Lozada and Chris Salvador of Arellano University, 21-17, 21-14.

In the women's category, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Mae Ceballes of Central Philippines University (CPU)-Iloilo successfully defended their throne after egding out Lourdilyn Catubag and Karen Kay Quilario of the University of Mindanao-Tagum, 21-13, 21-17. (FREEMAN)