The men’s defending champions University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) got their title defense on track after they swept past the Holy Cross College of Davao in straight sets, 21-16, 22-20, in the opening day of action in the 18th Nestea Beach Volleyball competition yesterday at the Beach Chalets on the pristine beaches of Boracay Island.
Pressed for preparation time because of their conflicting schedules, the tandem of Edmar Bonono and Edward Ybañez were made to work but eventually got the job done and escaped victorious.
However, long-time head coach Cecil Jotojot graded the effort with a mere “okay” and added that they shouldn’t be complacent even with huge leads.
“Okay man ang ilang duwa. Sila ang nag-dominate sa duwa and nag-lead mi pirminti. Nadaut lang sa kumpyansa,” said Jotojot.
But while one Cebuana squad emerged victorious, another found itself a loss away from elimination after the Cesafi champion pair of Rommel Pepito and Jewel Cabahug from Southwestern University (SWU) were subdued by the pair from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 20-22, 17-21. UST also beat the University of Negros Oriental-Recoletos (UNO-R) earlier.
UST is composed of Compostela, Cebu-native Cherry Ann Rondina and Rica Jane Rivera.
“Para sa akin, sobrang proud po ako kasi nakaabot po kami dito,” said the 18-year-old Rondina, who won the Season 77 UAAP MVP in beach volleyball.