UV, CPU start title defense in Nestea beach volleyball unfurls in Boracay

BORACAY, Philippines - – Holders University of the Visayas and Central Philippine University defend their respective crowns against a host of crack challengers led by UAAP champs National U and Adamson in the 17th Nestea Beach Volleyball that unwraps today infront of Boracay Beach Chalets in Station 2.

UV will be gunning for a third straight men’s title and will field Jade Becaldo, a member of last year’s champion pair who will team up with Mark Anthony Fernandez this time.

Out to challenge the UV spikers are NU’s Edwin Tolentino and Joseph Henry Tipay, who are fresh from their romp in the UAAP, and College of St. Benilde’s Marjun Alingasa and John Vic de Guzman, who dominated the NCAA beach volley action.

First Asian Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH), Saint Louis University, University of St. La Salle, Southwestern U, Foundation U, University of San Carlos, University of Southern Philippines, University of Mindanao Tagum and Mindanao State U Tawi Tawi are also vying for the men’s plum.

On the distaff side, three-peat queen CPU will anchor its bid  on returnee Fiola Mae Ceballos and Valerie Jen Amar.

Expected to give CPU a hard time are reigning UAAP titlist Adamson, which will be bannered by MVP Shiela Pineda and Amanda Villanueva; NCAA ruler San Sebastian, which will be represented by Bea Camille Uy and Denice Francesca Lim; La Salle, which will have Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo; and last year’s NBV runner-up Santo Tomas, which will field Pam Lastimosa, who will join hands with Carmela Tunay.

Also in the mix are Lyceum Batangas, UB, SWU, USLS, University of Mindanao Tagum, MSU Tawi Tawi and Jose Maria College.

Philippine Volleyball Federation secretary general and tournament technical director

Otie Camangian said they expect a very competitive battle on the white sands of this famous tourist destination.

“We will have the best collegiate teams in the country,” said Camangian, who also bared that the PVF will likewise be on the lookout for potential national mainstays here.

“We are also looking forward to get players for the national beach volleyball pool.”
A total of 24 teams are competing in the three-day tourney with 10 schools coming from Luzon, nine from the Visayas and five from Mindanao. 
A prize of P100,000 awaits the champions while P65,000 will go to the runners up and P35,000 will be given the third placers.