MANILA, Philippines — Abanse Negrense teams A and B came, saw and conquered perennial Philippine Superliga contenders to create Visayan ripples and take the early lead in the Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup yesterday in Subic, Zambales.
Abanse Negrense A’s Alexa Polidario and Erjane Magdato stunned mainstays F2 Logistics’ Kyla Gallego and Jennymar Senares, 21-15, 21-12, and Sta. Lucia B’s Bang Pineda and Jonah Sabete, 21-14, 21-12, in a rousing 2-0 start in Pool A.
Jennifer Cosas and Gelimae Villanueva of Abanse Negrense B then followed suit with wins over United Auctioneers’ Ella Viray and Theresa Ramas, 21-13, 21-12, and tournament-favorite Sta. Lucia A’s DM Demontano and Jackie Estoquia, 6-21, 21-14, 15-11, in Pool B.
“We adjusted in receiving and setting late in the game after a slow start. But more than the win, we’re just honored to be part of this historic event,” said Cosas as Abanse Negrense B bucked a 15-point opening set loss.
Sta. Lucia B and F2 Logistics split their outings while guest team Kennedy Solar Energy-Petro Gazz got to a flat 0-2 start in Pool A.
In Pool B, 2019 Challenge Cup runner-up Sta. Lucia A settled for a 1-1 record.
along with United Auctioneers (1-1) as Toby’s Sports went winless (0-2) in the opening day of first volleyball tournament amid the pandemic.
Beyond the game and results so far though, playing the game they love alone was already a priceless win for the players after the sports’ shutdown last March.
“At this point, more than winning the game, we’re happy to play again in a tournament,” said Sta. Lucia’s Pineda on the three-day tilt held in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and IATF Region III.