BACOLOD — Reigning women’s champion University of the Visayas
and the men’s pair of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation scored
contrasting wins Thursday to lead the Visayas qualifiers in the 12th Nestea
Beach Volleyball tournament at the University of St. La Salle here.
UV veterans Janez Igot and Jusabelle Brillo eased past
Herlene Ybarita and Erika Verano of USPF 21-13, 21-12 and edged Southwestern
University’s Janelle Tabio and Florian Gutierrez 16-21, 21-15, 15-13 to secure a
return trip to the nationals set April 24 to 26 in Boracay.
USPF James Rivera and Jonrey Sasing also advanced after
whipping University of San Agustin’s Allan Da-yang and Verdin De Ocampo 21-13,
21-12 and beating Foundation University’s Rolando Agus and Arnel Amadeo 21-19,
21-16.
"Sana makuha ulit naming ’yung title, pero sa ngayon gusto
naming pagbutihin pa sa practice para mas lumakas ang endurance namin. ‘Yun kasi
ang una naming dapat i-improve," Brillo said.
It will be USPF’s duo’s first national nationals appearance
as partners, but both Rivera and Sasing have played in the nationals for
different teams.
Rivera advanced to the semis for the third time, placing
fourth with then partner Ronald Melencion last year. Sasing, on the other hand,
was the other half of the pair that won the 2004 title for University of San
Jose Recoletos.
"’Yung individual experiences namin ang naging advantage
namin dito," said Sasing, now taking up his masters in Civil Engineering.
"Kulang pa kami sa practice kaya pagkatapos nito ay sasabak
agad kami,"
Foundation and SWU’s runner-up finish in the leg also earned
them semifinal slots along with University of St. Salle’s men’s pair and USPF’s
women’s team.
