Team Mindanao wins EAGA volley

LABUAN, Malaysia – Team Mindanao-Philippines, represented by Davao City, captured the men’s beach volleyball gold medal, beating East Kalimantan, 21-18, 21-19, late Tuesday in the eighth BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asia Growth Area) Friendship Games at the Palm Beach Resort & Spa here.

Francis Caunga and Calvin Sarte showed much firepower down the stretch and avenged their elimination round loss (18-21) against the Malaysian duo.

Both seniors at the University of Mindanao and Holy Cross of Davao Colleges, respectively, Caunga and Sarte, tightened up defense and fired furious attacks to survive the first set that figured in a series of deadlocks and lead changes.

East Kalimantan tried to bounce back in the second set but failed to sustain form against the more aggressive Davao pair coached by Abet Bernan.

“I have always believed in them, their skills and determination. We changed strategy in the finals after our loss to East Kalimantan in the eliminations. Tighter defense worked best for us,” said Bernan. “I am so proud of them.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia congratulated Team Davao headed by team manager Tisha Goldie Delvo, for a job well done. The sports agency bankrolled the trip of the 120-man delegation in the four-day event, part of the BIMP-EAGA’s year round activities.