San Sebastian retains Nestea beach title

BORACAY ISLAND —  Defending champion San Sebastian College rallied from an opening set setback and fought back in the deciding set to turn back Foundation University of Dumaguete, 19-21, 21-13, 16-14, yesterday and rule the fifth Nestea Beach Volleyball University Challenge at this island paradise.

Sheryl Tumayao, playing in her last year in this annual event which capped Nestea Ice Tea’s "Nestea Loves the Beach" program, came through with an ace that the tandem of Rolyn Marquillas and Melanie Eralon failed to return.

But Tumayao and Jennifer Buhawe, who was later named the women’s Most Valuable Player, had to fight back from a first set loss with a dominating game in the second frame to force a decider before racking up the last three points to clinch the crown worth P10,000.

Men’s favorite Foundation University of Dumaguete 1 failed to live up to its pre-tournament billing as it dropped an unexpected straight-set loss to its second team FUD-2.

Kent Bulabon, who copped the MVP honors in the men’s side, and Ralph Mingueto bested the tandem of Edward Balbuena and Isidro Bongcasan of Foundation 1, which wound up third last year despite its top seed ranking.

Bongcasan, whose solid games in the qualifiers helped install the team to No. 1, committed a holding violation, enabling Bulabon and Mingueto to win the title in this event supported by Boracay resorts and restaurants Galaxy Club 10, Titay’s, Alyssa, Gold Crowne, Crystal Sands, Caribo, Gorio’s, Hey Jude, and Willy’s.