Foundation 1 makes beach volley final

BORACAY ISLAND — Foundation University of Dumaguete 1 turned back upset-conscious Foundation University of Dumaguete 2 in three sets yesterday to advance into the finals of the fifth Nestea Beach Volleyball University Challenge at this island paradise.

Matching power with power, Edward Balbuena and Isidro Bongcasan of Foundation 1 rallied from a first set loss as they took the final two sets to frustrate Ralph Mingueto and Kent Bulabon of Foundation 2, 9-21, 24-22, 15-10.

Foundation 1 actually blew a commanding 14-7 lead in the second set but put its act together with Balbuena hitting a crisp kill down the line for the winner to force a decider which they dominated.

Despite the setback, however, Foundation 2 can still force a rematch with Foundation 1 in final provided it hurdles University of San Jose Recoletos 1, which defeated USJR 2 after one of its players quit due to asthma.

After dropping the first set, 20-22, USJR 2’s Dave Arreza, apparently succumbing to the intense summer heat, did not finish the game after an asthma attack. He was advised to rest for the duration of the tournament.

In women’s play, defending champion San Sebastian College and Foundation trounced their respective rivals to arrange a clash for the first final berth in this event supported by Boracay Resorts Galaxy, Club 10, Titay, Alyssa, Gold Crowne and Crystal Sands and Boracay Restaurants Caribo, Gorio’s, Hey Jude, Willy’s and Floremar Pizzeria da Mario Ristorante Italiano, Dunkin Donuts, Nescafe Frothe, Astring-O-Sol Ice, Westin Philippine Plaza, Mikasa, Speedo and Milo.

Sheryl Tumayao and Jennifer Buhawe of SSC lived up to their pre-tournament billing as they scuttled the pair of Janeth Ponte and Kenneth Cinco of Southwestern University, 21-16, 21-14, while Rolyn Marquillas and Melanie Eralon of Foundation downed Cecille Tabuena and Glenda Pintolo of University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, 21-17, 21-17, in the other contest.