La Salle-Dasma duo tops Petron tilt

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle-Dasmariñas Jennifer Manzano and new partner Satchel Senupe got back at Letran’s Gena Andaya and Marinelle Jane Carolino, scoring a 21-11, 21-18 victory to retain the Battle of Champions crown in the Petron Ladies beach volleyball tournament at Baywalk in Puerto Princesa yesterday.

The 5-11 Manzano and Senupe dominated the first set then took the last three points in the second frame, shattering an 18-all count and clinching the victory.

“We did our best and it’s a good thing that we got even with them,” said Manzano after she and Senupe earned the top purse of P20,000.

The winning pair also gained a slot to the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzen, China set in August next year.

The La Salle-Dasmariñas pair reached the championship round of the spikefest backed by Petron, Speedo, Mikasa, Fern-Slim and the city of Puerto Princesa, by beating Ateneo’s Asia Urquico and Jessica Morado, 21-17, in the semifinals.

Andaya and Carolino, on the other hand, downed Letran schoolmates Marie Rose Burce and Melissa Cu, 21-14, in the other semis pairing.

Manzano and Senupe took charge early in the first set, 5-1, behind the former’s three successful attacks.

The quick pace took its toll on Andaya, who hurt her right thigh while trying to keep up with Manzano and Senupe.

A couple of smashes from Manzano in the ensuing plays keyed a big 11-3 run as La Salle-Dasmarinas coasted to the first-set win.

Andaya and Carolino, however, put their act together in the second frame, forcing six deadlocks. But Senupe’s drop shot shattered an 18-all tie then Manzano scored the next two points for the win.