Delanara rules maiden Talisay beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - Team Delanara, manned by Southwestern University (SWU) alumni Florian Gutierrez and Marites Natad, bested the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) belles in the final to claim the inaugural title of the Talisay Beach Volley Competition the other day at the landing site in Brgy. Poblacion, Talisay City.

Gutierrez and Natad conjured all the strength that made them two-time national champion in the prestigious Nestea Beach Volley to outlast the USPF tandem of Ericka Camille Verano and Apple Saraum in con convincing fashion.

Gutierrez and Natad advanced into the championship after pounding out a 25-21 victory over the tough-fighting University of the Visayas (UV) duo of Jusabelle Brillo and Ivy Mae Abella. USPF of coach Jordan Paca booked the remaining final ticket with a hard-earned 25-23 triumph over the V-belles of Marissa Lagancia and Kennette Garces.

Gutierrez and Natad took home P5,000, while Verano and Saraum pocketed P3,000.

In the battle for third place, UV had to literally pass through the eye of the needle before fending off the gritty V-Belles by the narrowest of margins, 25-24.

Jullet Mae Marikit and Mechelle Matuguina of Team Elite were not that lucky as they got the axe early with an inferior 1-3 record at the end of the elimination round.

Only five out of the eight pairs showed up for the contest Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU), Southwestern University (SWU) and University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) backed out at the last minute due to other pressing commitments.

 Spearheaded by the Talisay City Sports Commission through its chairman and city councilor Rodi Cabigas, the landmark event was among the highlights of last Thursday’s annual “Takas sa Talisay” celebration commemorating the 64th anniversary of American Liberation Day. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil   (THE FREEMAN)