USPF, USJ-R top elimsin CESAFI beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) topped the women’s and men’s division respectively of CESAFI Beach Volleyball tournament at Wiggy’s Beach Resort in Liloan, Cebu.

USPF won all its elimination round games en route to a perfect 6-0 slate while USJ-R lorded it over the men’s division with a 5-0 card.

USPF volleybelles of Coach Jordan Paca silenced Joy Bonita and Rachelle Hannah Singson of USJ-R 21-11, 21-15 in their last game to move into the semifinal round unscathed.

“Our experiences in the Nestea Beach Volley have really helped us a lot because we were able to apply different techniques and the different things inside the court. It is also an additional factor, that I am still paired with Harlene (Ybarita) because we already have established our own defense tactics as a tandem,” said Ericka Camille Verano of USPF.

USJ-R took the men’s leader board after the formidable tandem of Ariel Carumba and Louijie Tipgos beat Edward Ybañez and Christopher Ryan Abut of USPF 21-19, 21-17.

Meanwhile, Southwestern University (SWU) narrowed the gap between them and USPF after the duo of Danika Gendrauli and Lorie May Layno, under with new coach, Joreem Yu, defeated Jerymie Montalvo and Chona Gesulga of USC 21-16, 21-10.

In the men’s division, defending champion University of San Carlos (USC) will try to get back on track for a history three-peat. Roderick Arenasa and Kenneth Bensig will try to avenge its loss to UV earlier as they take on the same team in the crossover semifinals.

In the other semifinal match, USJ-R plays USPF.

The pairings in the women’s division is still unclear after all coaches filed a protest against UV’s Ivy Abella alleging that she’s ineligible to play in the tournament.

Last week, UV Coach Raffy Briones told the press that they are only fielding Abella in preparation for the Nestea Beach Volley this April. Briones admitted that she’s only a guest player. The coaches said that they have sent the protest to CESAFI Commissioner Felix “Boy” Tiukinhoy and they’re waiting for the approval.

After the chairman has ruled in favor of the protest, USPF will face USJ-R in the semis instead of UV. (THE FREEMAN)