6 Pangasinan teams vie in Petron volley

MANILA, Philippines - Six teams from host Lingayen, Pangasinan will pit guts and skills against their Metro Manila-based counterparts in the second leg of the 2013 Petron Ladies’ Beach Volleyball Tournament on April 30.

With more teams from Pangasinan taking part in this year’s second leg of the Petron volleyball circuit, backed by the provincial government of Lingayen and official ball Mikasa, organizer Tisha Abundo expects the local folk to come in droves to back their homegrown talents.

“We used to have just two teams from Pangasinan taking part in the tournament, but now, we’re having six teams. This is a testament to Pangasinan’s growing interest in the sport, thanks in part to our volleyball circuit’s yearly visits to that wonderful place,” said Abundo.

Participants of the beach volley extravaganza, now on its11th year, appeared yesterday at the PSA Forum, presented by Shakey’s and the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

In an effort to crown a new pair of beach volleyball babes, Abundo also announced the second leg will feature mostly newcomers.

“We want to give a chance to the newbies, most of whom, I believe will be a fixture in our future tournaments. Madami sa kanila ang magagaling din, it’s just a matter of giving them a chance,” said Abundo.

Participants will be led by the University of the East tandem of Ma. Leuseht Dawis and Pia Gabrielle Sarmiento, together with Far Eastern University’s Samantha Dawson and Winona Bagang.

Also joining the fray are Mapua’s Mabele Lau and Precious Hazel Sedenio, Letran’s Ethel Margaux Evangelista and Jan Juno Carreron, and Rizal Technological University’s Pricilla Catacutan and Lhyn Losaria.

Carrying the fight for De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, home of several Petron volleyball champs in the past, are Beatrice Canillas and Mariel Desengano.

The top two teams will get berths to the Petron Volleyball Battle of Champions Tournament Finals, which gathers leg champions and runners-up of the year in October set in the island paradise of Boracay.