Newcomers out to prove worth in Petron Volley

MANILA, Philippines - Newcomers will be hard-pressed to show that they belong with the circuit’s big guns when the third leg of the 2012 Petron Ladies’ Beach Volleyball tournament begins today at the sand-courts of the University of the East-Caloocan campus.

This is what a young batch of aspirants promises to do against experienced teams, such as UE bet Jessica Paron, and the Yongco sisters Iari and Iumi of La Salle-Dasmariñas.

“This is my first time in this beach volleyball circuit, and I hope to do my best with my partner,” said Queen Marie Mondejar, who will team up with Junno Carreon under Letran’s banner in this two-day spikefest supported by Petron and Mikasa Balls.

Paron, who reached the third leg finals last year, has a new partner in Pia Sarmiento. The two will seek a slot in the Battle of Champions set in Boracay this August.

The Yongco sisters will team up with younger players, with the elder Iari playing alongside Celia Cindy Amutan, and Iumi going in tandem with Marra Galicia.

Far Eastern University’s Samantha Dawson will be with a new teammate as well in Bernadette Pons, while Trinity’s Carissa Martinez partners with Mary Paz Soteco. UE’s Faith Bulan and Krysel Cueva will also be back.

Letran spikers Jan Carreon and Queenie Mondejar are joining for the first time, with San Beda’s Janine Marciano and Frances Molina.

Completing the roster are Philippine School of Business Administration’s Naomi Otoshi and Jona Abueg, and another Letran pair in Monique Joy Pablo and Eva Evangelista.

UE-Caloocan chancellor Zosimo Battad will be the guest of honor, with Lionel Dee, internal communications officer of Petron corporate affairs.