CEBU - Defending champions University of San-Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) and University of San Carlos (USC) both got off to a flying start in the 3rd Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Beach Volley tournament yesterday at the Wiggy’s Beach Resort in Liloan, Cebu.
The USJ-R belles of Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua went through some scary moments before fending off the gritty Cebu Doctors’ University tandem of Linette Auza and Niña Perez, 21-14, 21-19.
Because star player Michelle Simbajon sprained her ankle during practice last week, coach Antigua had to field in rookie player Rachelle Hannah Singson to banner USJ-R’s title retention campaign alongside Joy Bonita.
After dominating the first set with finesse, USJ-R found CDU a tough costumer to handle in the second set. The wards of Antigua were ahead by two, 18-16, but CDU swept the next three frames to wrest the lead, 19-18.
The Ave Maria Sanctuary and Park-backed USJ-R, however, countered with a searing 3-to-nothing run for the kill.
It was a double whammy for CDU as it later fell prey to Nestea Beach Volley national finalists Ericka Camille Verano and Harlene Ybarita of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) in humiliating fashion, 9-21, 5-21.
Not wanting to be outdone, the equally-tough Southwestern University (SWU) duo of Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Lorie May Layno pummeled Noriena Castro and Ivy Abella of the University of the Visayas, 21-13, 21-14.
On the other hand, Jerymie Montalvo and Chona Gesulga of USC made an immediate impact with a 21-11, 21-16 crushing of Sheila Marie Padayogdog and Blanca Anguis of the University of Cebu (UC), 21-11, 21-16.
In the men’s bracket, the Eugene dela Cerna-mentored USC tandem of Roderick Arenasa and Kennith Bensig silenced UC’s UC’s Paolo Cabase and Spencer Abejo, 21-12, 21-10. It was a fitting present for Bensig, who will turn a year older today.
Strong title contender Ariel Carumba and Louijie Tipgos of USJ-R slammed CDU’s Edison Lim and George Tampon, 21-1, 21-5, while UV’s Jade Becaldo and James Ryan Rivera trounced USPF’s Edward Ybañez and James Ryan Abut, 21-16, 21-14. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil THE FREEMAN