SWU, USJ-R rule CESAFI beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - The Southwestern University (SWU) tandem of Danika Yolanda Gendrauli and Lorie May Layno scored a stunning upset over the previously undefeated University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) duo of Ericka Camille Verano and Harlene Ybarita in straight sets, 21-17, 21-12, to claim the women’s division championship of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) Beach Volley tournament at the Wiggy’s Beach Resort in Liloan, Cebu.

The Jordan Paca-mentored USPF took a hairline lead, 16-15, in the first set, but Gendrauli and Layno poured in their powerful attacks to stage a 4-0 run to wrest the driver’s seat for good, 19-16.

USPF could only afford one more point from there after Gendrauli committed a service error.

Gendrauli bounced back by releasing her unconquerable attacks to end the set at 21-17.

In the second set, USPF made an early 3-0 run, but SWU countered with 6-0 rally. USPF could only tie the count at 6-all as SWU made a sizzling 6-0 burst to rip the game apart, 15-8.

“They really listened to my instructions. I just gave them techniques and I’m glad that they followed it as seen in their performances. Beforehand, I am confident that we have chances to match them up because I know the capacity of USPF. The only difference is that they are more experienced as a tandem. I just told the girls to try their very best, that they should have a target person and area,” said Yu, who was a former coach of Verano and Ybarita.

In the men’s bracket, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) survived a three-set thriller over the resilient University of the Visayas (UV) to claim the title.

The formidable tandem of Ariel Carumba and Louijie Tipgos of USJ-R got off to a hot start to melt away UV’s James Ryan Rivera and Jade Becaldo.

USJ-R took the opening set, 21-13, but the courageous UV mainstays rallied back in the second frame by the narrowest of margins, 21-20, to forge a rubbermatch.

In the decider, the two protagonists engaged in a down-the-wire battle but USJ-R rode on lucky breaks and smart plays to seal the win, 15-14.

“I am really worried because of the great pressure during their matches. UV, indeed, is a tough opponent but I have in mind that the boys would really do their best. I am happy that they made it. We still need more practice for the upcoming Nestea Beach Volley this April,” said USJ-R’s Cebu Sports Hall of Famer coach Grace Antigua.

Earlier, Edward Ybañez and Christopher Ryan Abut of USPF settled for third place in the men’s bracket after defeating University of San Carlos (USC) bets Roderick Arenasa and Kennith Bensig, 21-19, 21-18. USC’s Jerymie Montalvo and Chona Gesulga made up from the loss of their men’s counterparts by whipping USJ-R’s Joy Bonita and Rachelle Hannah Singson, 21-15, 21-19 to cop the second runner-up honors in the women’s class. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (BANAT NEWS)