For the second year in a row, Cebu remains in a class of its own when it comes to beach volleyball as the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation claimed the men’s national title after winning over the College of St. Benilde, 21-17, 21-19 in the finals of the 18th Nestea Beach Volley over at the Beach Chalets at Station 2 on the pristine beaches of Boracay Island.
Ranged against the kings of the NCAA’s beach volleyball, St. Benilde’s Johnvic de Guzman and Marjun Alingasa, the USP-F’s veteran tandem of Edward Ybañez and Edmar Bonono did not flinch and took home the prize in beach volleyball for yet another year.
It was a long and sweet road for the USP-F squad who barely had enough preparation time due to the respective commitments of Ybañez and Bonono, a star for the Cignal HD Spikers in the Spiker’s Turf volleyball tournament. Still, they overcame that and the University of Santo Tomas’ duo of Mark Gil Alfafara and Kris Roy Guzman in the semifinals, 21-11, 18-21, 15-10, with some crafty playmaking.
“Mas mubo man gud si Kris Roy (Guzman). Mao siya among gi-target pirmi,” shared USP-F head coach Cecil Jotojot of their strategy in the final four.
In the finals, Jotojot lauded his players’ efforts and cherished this title with them as both players are playing in this tournament for the last time.
“Last playing year nila karon. At least ni-exit sila duha na champion,” said Jotojot who added, “Ila jud gipakita na dominant jud ang Cebu sa beach volley. Pasalamat jud mi sa Ginoo ug sa administration sa USP-F.”
The other Cebu team in the men’s division, the Southwestern University represented by Rommel Pepito and Jewel Cabahug fell short of the semis after losing yet again to UST, 23-25, 18-21.
However, SWU’s women’s squad, comprised of Therese Ramas and Florimel Rodriguez salvaged some pride for the Cobras as they claimed third place with a 19-21, 21-14, 15-4 win over the University of Mindanao-Davao. They had a shot at making it to the finals earlier in the day but were rebuffed by the defending champions La Salle, incidentally represented by Cebuana Cyd Demecillo and Kim Fajardo, 21-23, 14-21, in the semis.
The UST tandem of Cebuana Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera eventually dethroned La Salle with a 19-21, 21-17, 15-13 victory in the championship game.