SWU coach Dave Arreza (center) poses a photo with his players Janelle Cabahug (left) and Ivie Bautista (right) after winning against RTU yesterday.
contributed
The Phinma-Southwestern University (SWU) tandem of Janelle Cabahug and Ivie Bautista proved that being first-time partners in a beach volleyball competition isn’t really a problem.
They showed it yesterday when the Cebuano duo defeated the Rizal Technological University (RTU) Blue Thunders, 21-19, 18-21, 15-12, to rule the Tanduay Athletics PVF National Inter-Collegiate Women’s Beach Volleyball Championships at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig City.
Although partnering first-time beach spiker Bautista to the veteran Cabahug was a huge risk, the move paid off for coach Dave Arreza as the team went unbeaten in the tournament to be crowned champion.
SWU finished the elimination round with a 3-0 (win-loss) record before defeating Capitol University, 21-13, 21-16, in the semis.
In the championship game, the Blue Thunders gave the Cebuanas a tough time and managed to level the game up at one apiece. But the Lady Cobras were able to keep their composure and went on to steal the deciding set for the win.
“I think they won because they enjoyed playing the game and they trust each other,” said the multi-titled Arreza. “More importantly, they listened to the coach.”
Aside from the Lady Cobras, other teams who joined were Laguna, Davao and other squads from the State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association.