Top teams pull thru in Nestea volleyball

BORACAY – The top two teams in the women’s division provided the fireworks in yesterday’s opening day of the Nestea Beach Volley National Circuit at the sun-kissed Hey! Jude sandcourt here.

University of Visayas and Southwestern U, which figured in last year’s finals, brought down separate foes before a sizeable crowd that filled the stands, cheered every point and braved the summer heat.

Janez Igot and Jusabelle Brillo, the same pair that won the title for UV last year, defeated Herlene Ybarita and Erika Verano of Southern Philippines Foundation, 21-11, 21-18, in a high-noon contest.

Then Janelle Tabio and Florian Gutierrez of Southwestern followed their steps, beating Rizza Laguilles and Angela Banting of Luzon leg topnotcher and 2002 women’s champion Adamson, 21-13, 21-16.

The two dreaded teams in the women’s side square off today in what could be a preview of another title showdown.

“It’s difficult to say what will happen tomorrow or what will happen in the end,” said Igot, who is enjoying the company of Brillo, her partner last year.

Gutierrez was not around last year and opted to return and take the place of Maritess Natad so he could shoot for a fourth Nestea crown. She was part of Southwestern’s victories in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

“I want to give it one more try and win one more title. I want to become champion again in my last year here,” said Gutierrez, now 26. In 2003, she teamed up with Natad, in 2004 with Jeanette Ponte and in 2005 with Natad once more.

University of Mindanao-Tagum, a title contender, won over Lyceum with relative ease, 21-13, 21-9.

In the men’s division, University of Perpetual Help Dalta racked up two straight wins, beating Holy Cross of Davao College in the morning, 21-17, 22-20, and Capitol University, 13-21, 21-17, 15-7, in the afternoon.

Still, it was 2002 champion Foundation that provided the thrill, beating Philippine Christian U in three exciting sets, 20-22, 21-12, 15-7, and making its presence felt in this sizzling event now on its 12th season.

In other matches, University of Southern Philippines Foundation survived St. La Salle Bacolod, 19-21, 21-12, 15-13, while University of Mindanao Tagum beat last year’s runner-up Far Eastern U, 21-11, 23-21.

Mindanao State U Tawi-Tawi, the 2007 men’s champion, is not around, failing to get the Mindanao elims last March.

This year’s sponsors are Havaianas, Speedo, Mikasa, Penshoppe, Tagum Beach Volley Drome at Rotary Park, St. La Salle Bacolod, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, Crystal Sand, Le Soleil de Boracay, La Carmela, D’Mall, D’Boracay, Hey! Jude Resort Hotel and Nautilus by PJ Aranador.