SSC’s Soltones, pal open NC beach volley defense

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA beach volleyball tournament fires off today with Gretchel Soltones teaming up with either Denice Lim or Bea Uy as they seek a title repeat in women’s play in Subic Bay in Olongapo City.

College of St. Benilde, on the other hand, will be spearheaded by the power-hitting Johnvic de Guzman in its title-retention drive in men’s play while Arellano University remains the favorite to retain the high school championship.

Soltones partnered with Czarina Berbano to dominate the field last year with the former, who honed her skills and talent in the Shakey’s V-League hoping to draw the same solid support from either Lim or Uy in the tournament held in partnership with The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay.

Letran’s athletic moderator Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, said he expects nothing less than exciting action in this year’s beach volley competitions.

“This will actually be the third time we’re going here in Subic after we hold beach volley and basketball games here two seasons ago,” said Calvo, who was with NCAA Management Committee chair Paul Supan of Jose Rizal and other board representatives when they did an ocular inspection of the venue recently.

Calvo said The Lighthouse Marina Resort, one of the best resort hotels in the Subic area, will serve as the tournament sponsor.