Petron beach volley opens at La Salle-Dasma

MANILA, Philippines - A battle of the champions-type of competition will be in the atmosphere today when the first leg of the 10th Petron Ladies’ Beach Volleyball tournament erupts at 9 a.m. at the sand-courts of the De La Salle-Health and Science Institute campus in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Champion teams from La Salle-Dasmariñas, Letran, University of the East and the University of the Philippines plunge into action today in a wide-open battle for the right to be crowned volley queens of the circuit’s first stop.

Letran bet Gena Andaya, winner of the second crown two years ago, teams up with Sarah Jane Espelita, while last year’s Battle of Champions titleholder Francislyn Cais and Jessica Paron will seek out a leg crown this early.

Paron and Cais are best remembered for their 21-18, 21-17 repulsing of UP-2’s Pau Genido and new teammate Liezchel Tiu in last year’s Battle of Champions in Palawan.

This time around, Genido and Tiu will make up UP-1, to make matters interesting in this spikefest supported by Mikasa Balls, Speedo and DLS-HSI.

“The first leg is usually reserved for newcomers of the circuit, but the veterans, especially past champions have come in full force to stamp their class early,” said organizer Tisha Abundo.

“I therefore expect fierce competition from everyone.”

Veterans will challenge returning champion Jennifer Manzano, who will be playing her last season for De La Salle University-Dasmarinas before she graduates next month.

The 5’10” Manzano, a graduating criminology student who won the Battle of the Champions tiara two years ago, teams up with new partner Giselle Bembo.

Iari Yongco joins hands with La Salle-Dasmarinas teammate Mariel Desengano, while Letran-2’s Justyne Mae Tadeo and Melissa Cu are also expected to give their rivals a hard time.

San Beda College’s Janine Marciano will have Coline Malana as her partner, while San Beda-2’s Kim de la Vega is with Debbie Dultra.  The duo of Jimberly Dawn Dizon and Leuseth Dawis comprises UE-2.

UP-2 is now composed of Amanda Christine Isada and  newcomer Joyce del Rosario.