FEU bets favored as Petron beach volleyball starts

LINGAYEN, Philippines  – Shaira Gonzales, one of Far Eastern University’s top indoor specialists, is expected to stamp her class when the third leg of the 2010 Petron Ladies’ Beach Volleyball Tournament begins at the beach front of the Purok Marcelo Resort today.

The 21-year-old Gonzales is back after a two-year absence. Together with teammate Shedd de Pena, Gonzales will challenge the dominance of Pangasinense spiker Jennifer Manzano, who will defend her crown with new partner Satchel Senupe.

“I want to think positive about my game. I’m coming back after two years and we are not familiar with the conditions. But I’m very upbeat of my chances,” said Gonzales, who concentrated in indoor volleyball during her absence in the sport and helped FEU win a collegiate crown two years ago with Wendy Semana.

Her schoolmates and newcomers Loryvel Faytaren and Janine Penarand will join Gonzales and De Pena in their quest for glory in this spikefest supported by Speedo, Mikasa, the Sports Development Program of Pangasinan, Fern-Slim and Petron.

Ateneo spiker Sharah So is expected to be a top contender for the finals after she and Asia Urquico challenged Manzano and former partner April Almaden for the title last year.

But, it will be new teammate Khrysette Onishi’s turn to help So this time around.

Organizer Tisha Abundo said this will be the eighth year that they are holding the tournament, a series of quarterly eliminations where the winners play in the Battle of Champions at year’s end.

Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil (second district, Pangasinan) is one of the chief supporters of the event and will grace the opening ceremonies.

Also seeing action are Dyrene Rose Benecio and Mariel Legaspi, along with University of the East campaigners Pia Sarmiento and Aurea Racraquin, lanky Yari Yongco and Giselle Bembo, Aileen Abuel and Hidemi Miyata of DLSU-Dasmariñas.

The first leg of the tournament was also held in Lingayen, with Puerto Princesa hosting the second stop.