Cebu teams falter in Nestea beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - It was an unlucky season for Cebu bets as they all faltered at the conclusion of the 14th Nestea Fit Beach Volley- “Battle of the Champions” yesterday in Boracay island.

Defending champion Erika Camille Verano and Apple Eve Saraum of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) failed to get back the women’s tiara as they fell prey to Adamson University during the crossover semifinals.

Verano and Saraum bowed to their last year’s rival for the crown, Adamson in dominating fashion, 21-11, 21-14.

It’s a double whammy for the Thelma Datig-mentored tandem as they also lost to Lourdilyn Catubag and Karen Quilario of the University of Mindanao-Tagum in straight sets, 21-12, 21-15, during the battle for third place.

To recall during the elimination round phase, USPF trounced CHED National Games champion UM-Tagum in a three-set thriller, 16-21, 21-14, 15-13.

 “We had a lot of reception errors from the beginning of our game until the end and most of our attacks went out of the court. We were not able to control our ball and I could really say that it was not our game,” said Verano.

 “They were really off. They were not able to execute their gameplan well and they did not have the focus that’s very essential in their performance,” said Datig.

In the men’s bracket, Edward Ybañez and Emmanuel Marlon Luces of USPF experienced the same fate after suffering a three-set decision game against Jason Ramos and Henry Campaña of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). (FREEMAN)