Perpetual nips EAC, shares ‘NC’ beach volley lead

MANILA, Philippines - Perpetual Help’s Relan and Rey Taneo Jr. rallied to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Joshua Mina and Paolo Cezar Lim, 18-21, 21-15, 17-15, yesterday and gain a share of the lead with Lyceum of the Phl U in the men’s division of the 92nd NCAA beach volley tournament in Subic.

After fighting back from a set down, the Taneo brothers also overcame a 10-14 deficit in the decider as they won seven of the last eight points en route to notching their fourth straight victory.

“We’re just determined to win here,” said Relan, member of the team that lost the indoor volley crown to Mapua and last year’s beach volley title to a Johnvic de Guzman-led St. Benilde side.

The Taneos had actually got back at De Guzman and partner Owen Bacani when they pulled the rug from under the CSB duo, 21-17, 21-18, on opening day.

LPU’s Jhonel Badua and Meko Franz Binas routed EAC’s Joshua Mina and Paolom Cezar Lim, 21-14, 21-14, to likewise stay unscathed in four outings.

In women’s play, Perpetual Help’s Marjito Medalla and Maria Aurora Tripoli downed Letran’s Kathleen Barrinuevo and Honey Kris Laserna, 21-14, 21-10, and Arellano U’s Regine Anne Arocha and Jovielyn Grace Prado, 21-14, 21-16, to remain undefeated.

San Beda twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray bested St. Benilde’s Ma. Angela Enginco and Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23, and Mapua’s Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon ng Mapua, 21-6, 21-15, to share the lead with the Las Piñas-based squad.

Also unbeaten with three wins were three-peat champions Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa of San Sebastian, which trounced Letran’s Kathleen Barrinuevo and Honey Kris Laserna, 21-13, 21-15.