UST shows way in BVR sand event

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas completed a 1-2-3 finish in the advanced women and men’s divisions in the Beach Volleyball Republic Kings and Queens 2025 one-day tournament last Dec. 13 at Nuvali Sand Courts in City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Team GameVille UST 1’s Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella, the newly-minted UAAP champions, bested fellow Tiger Sands Cheng Dadang and Angelica Del Mar, and Cameron Villaluz and Francine Osis to rule the women’s advanced.

Smael Salon and Dom Gabito starred in Team GameVille UST 1’s men’s advanced triumph over teammates Aldwin Gupiteo and JM Lagaran, and Mark Bihag and James Apdian.

Team UPLB Nyaw’s Charles Berosil and Airish Reyes took home the intermediate championship, topping Team Wasak Crew’s Arvee del Rosario and Pierre Dervite, and Team Jack N Jill’s Onyl Canson and Doms Cordero.

A total of 35 teams competed in the event in partnership with Beach Volleyball Manila, as the Kings & Queens of the Sand event celebrated a milestone on how far beach volleyball has come.

The one-day league came 10 years after BVR organized its first-ever competition that paved the way for the country’s sand court stars.

With Alas Pilipinas women’s historic gold medal in the just-concluded 33rd Southeast Asian Games, the BVR will continue to push beach volleyball to greater heights.