USPF, USJ-R sweep titles

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – Cebu spikers rocked Boracay like no other as the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) bagged the women’s and men’s titles respectively in the 13th Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit 2009 here yesterday.

Not even the scorching heat could prevent the Cebuano squads from scooping their second double national titles since 2004 when Southwestern University (SWU) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) did the trick in 2004.

The tandem of USPF’s Erika Camille Verano and rookie Apple Saraum took the women’s crown by whipping the hard-hitting duo of Angela Benting and Lizlee Ann Gata of Adamson University.

“Wala gyud ko nagtuo, mura gyud siya’g damgo,” (“I can’t believe it, it was like a dream.”)said 17-year old Saraum, who had an impressive debut in the prestigious beach volley tournament. “I realized that we are not a hopeless case. I just trust myself and left it all to God especially in the last moments of the game,” the freshman electronics and communication engineering student added.

After a forgettable sixth place finish last year playing with Harlen Ybarita, Verano teamed up with Saraum.

The partnership worked like a charm.

“I kept on encouraging her because I could sense how she gets frustrated every time she commits faults but during the finals she impressed me because in the course of the competition she evolved into a matured player,” said the 19-year old Verano.

“I am very happy, that I am still alive and I was able to give back to my alma mater by coaching these two ladies and eventually led them in getting the crown for the first time,” said coach Thelma Datig.

The victory of Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos of USJ-R in the men’s final was a triumph of the underdogs. They battered defending champions Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso Sayson of Foundation University (FU) 21-14, 21-17.

“We were not threatened by their strong attacks, we countered with defense and good ball placements through tapping and down-the-line attacks because they ran out of air,” said 20-year old Carumba.

Carumba wowed the crowd by covering numerous thunderous kills by Amadeo.

Foundation University was the stronger team but USJ-R coach Grace Antigua said beach volleyball is more than a power game. “Beach volley is not a power game but a mind game, whether you had your attack strong or not so strong, it would still count into a score. I agree that FU is much stronger than us, but I counted on the exemplary defense that the boys showed during the game,” she explained.

This is the third national title for USJ-R. Michel Simbajon and Jonrey Sasing won the first title in 2001 while the partnership of Jerome Capada and Norvie “Making” Labuga won in 2004.

Meanwhile, Jade Becaldo and Precioso Bendijo Jr. of the University of the Visayas (UV) survived three grueling sets to down Mohammad Reza Asakil and Halim Khan of the Mindanao State University –Tawi-tawi (MSU-T) 19-21, 21-14, 15-11 and bagged 2nd runner-up honors.

“I am happy that despite them, being neophytes in this competition, they were still able to land in the third place. These boys are still young and they have more opportunities to come as they continue to play. I am thankful to the Gullas family for their endearing support to us,” said coach Raffy Briones.

USPF and USJ-R pocketed P100,000 each aside from trophies. Adamson University and Foundation University received P65,000 each, respectively, for finishing 1st runners-up.

The Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit 2009 is sponsored by Ipanema, Speedo, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu, L’Oreal Paris Elseve, Nautilus by PJ Aranador, Mikasa, D’Mall D’Boracay, Tagum Beach Volleydrome at Rotary Park , Cebu Volleyball Association, Hey! Jude Resort, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Crystal Sand Beach Resort.  – THE FREEMAN