Letran sweeps beach volley elims

MANILA, Philippines - Letran’s Warren Pirante and Erickson Ramos overcame Perpetual Help’s Jay dela Cruz and Ralph Savellano, 18-21, 21-16, 17-15, to complete a sweep of seven elimination-round games in the 85th NCAA beach volley tournament.

Pirante and Ramos fought back from behind for the win and the top seeding in the semifinals.

Host San Beda joined Letran in the semis after Evan Larava and James Lorca overpowered St. Benilde’s Jourdan Rousell and Kevin Lim, 21-9, 21-16 to finish second with a 5-1 (win-loss) record.

In women’s action, Perpetual Help’s Keshia de Luna and April Ann Sartin turned back the stubborn duo of San Sebastian’s Margarita Pepito and Russel Jalbuna, 14-21, 21-13, 17-15.

St. Benilde’s tandem of Giza Yumang and LC Quemada smashed Arellano’s Marjanette Echando and Marites Sta. Ana, 21-14, 21-11, and Jose Rizal’s Marjanette Echano and Marites Sta. Ana, 21-15, 21-16, to enhance their own bid.

In the other women’s matches, Letran’s Kriszelle Moralejo and Gena Andaya trounced San Beda’s Che Aquino and Coline Malana, 21-8, 21-6, while Arellano snatched a 19-21, 25-15, 15-5 win over Mapua’s Rachelle Tan and Kat Golfo. Joey Villar