GARNICA
THE UNIVERSITY of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers bolstered their beach volley roster with the addition of six-foot-two open spiker Dan Andrian Garnica from Siquijor.
Garnica is expected to fit well in the system of coach Cecil Jotojot, especially since he has been said to have similar styles with USPF beach volleyball legend Edmar Bonono.
Bonono, now with the CIGNAL HD team, paired with Edward Ybañez and towed USPF to back-to-back titles in the Nestea Beach Volleyball in 2014 and 2015.
“He is like Bonono with a strong attack and defense as well,” Jotojot said.
Jotojot said that Garnica, who once played for Foundation University, was supposed to suit up for the indoor volleyball team this year. However, there were some discrepancies with his transfer papers, which forced them to sign him up for the beach volley team.
The 20-year-old Garnica, who is set to play his first Cesafi game this weekend, said he has never seen Bonono play but vows to do his best in his first year in the league.
“I think its too early to compare,” he said. “I still have a lot to learn. I’m kind of nervous but excited as well.”
Garnica has proven to be one of the elite players in the Visayas region, having bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plaque twice in his career, once with the Negros Oriental State University in 2014 and another with Foundation University last year.