Foundation, Cebu dispute semis berth

Foundation University of Dumaguete and Cebu Wild Duck pulled off contrasting victories yesterday to boost their semis bids in the men’s division of the first Nestea Beach Volleyball National Open at the CCP Complex.

Unleashing a power game, Foundation’s tandem of Eduard Balbuena and Isidro Bongcasan scuttled the pair of Ariel Dela Cruz and Edcer Penetrante of Zambales Crabs, 21-14, 21-19, in a victory that came after they stunned the highly-touted pair of Choy Buquid and Mimi Dacorong of Bicol via the full route, 21-16, 18-21, 15-10.

Cebu Wild Duck’s Ray Acojeda and Jasper Jimenez, on the other hand, survived the challenge put up by Far Eastern University’s George Pascua and Joseph Santos, 26-24, 23-31.

Foundation University and Cebu Wild Duck clash for the first semis seat at the resumption of the event today with the former favored over the latter owing to their strong performance in last month’s Nestea Beach Volleyball University Challenge.

On the distaff side, Philippine Navy 2 turned back reigning Nestea Beach Volleyball University Challenge women’s titlist San Sebastian, 21-16, 21-16, to barge into the eight-team double elimination round of this three-day tournament.

It took Johanna Botor and Helen Dosdos less than 15 minutes to dispose of the pair of Jennifer Buhawe and Sheryl Tumayao as Navy 2 braces for an easy outing against De La Salle, which dropped its second straight match following a 19-21, 19-21 loss to the Isabel Granada-led Air Force 1 squad.

Making their moves in Pool B are Philippine Army and Air Force 2, which trounced their respective foes to remain unscatched after two games.

Army’s Michelle and Marietta Carolino defeated

Navy 1’s Lollette Ybañez and Lani Laborte, 21-18, 21-19, while Air Force 2’s Pine Estrada and Josie May Dela Rosa dumped Philippine Sports Commission’s Joy Arceo and Jenny De Leon, 21-18, 21-9.