NESTEA BEACH VOLLEY SEASON 14: USJ-R, USPF begin title defense today

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) will begin their respective title defense as the Nestea Fit Beach Volley Season 14 dubbed as the “Battle of the Champions” fires off today at the paradise island of Boracay.

Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos of USJ-R seek back-to-back championships in the men’s division, while Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum of USPF hope to remain as the country’s undisputed beach volley queens.

“Even if we have a little pressure being the defending champion, I’m confident of their chances because Carumba and Tipgos have already blended well. I just told them to give their opponents a good fight,” said USJ-R coach Grace Antigua.

“What I’m afraid of is that they might be injured. I hope they will not experience this since it would be a hindrance in their performance,” Antigua added.

USPF coach Thelma Datig, on the other hand, downplayed their chances of keeping their crown.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll have a good performance in the competition even if they had not practiced together that long,” said Datig.

This year’s event features nine teams each in the men and women’s division.

Slugging it out for supremacy in the men’s bracket are the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of Perpetual System-Laguna (NCAA-South), University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Mindanao State University (MSU)-Tawi-tawi, Mahardika Institute of Technology (MIT), Foundation University of Dumaguete City and USPF.

Joining USPF in the women’s division are Adamson University, University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, Central Philippines University (CPU), University of Mindanao-Tagum and MSU-Tawitawi.

Aside from medals and trophies, the champion in both categories will receive P100, 000 each. (BANATNEWS)