Champs gear up for Nestea defense

THE two Cebuano champions are gearing up for the defense of their Nestea Beach Volleyball national titles this April 21 to 25 in Boracay.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) is the men’s division champion, while the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) owns the women’s title.

“We are still preparing for the national finals. We just got back from the Ched games” said USJ-R head coach Grace Antigua.

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Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos gave Antigua her third national crown last year, after beating Foundation University.

The other two titles were won by Jerome Capada and Norvie Labuga and Johnrey Sasing and Michael Simbajon.

The 22-year-old Tipgos said they are doing their best to defend their title. Tipgos almost lost his chance to compete after being grounded for defying his head coach rule on not joining any competition without her consent.

“I am glad that Ma’am Grace changed her mind and will let me compete again in the Nestea beach volley national finals,” Tipgos said.

This year’s editions will forego of the regional eliminations and will instead pit the various champions of collegiate leagues.

“Champions cup man gud ni ang Nestea karon, all the champions from different tournaments will meet there,” said Tigpos.

On the other hand, USPF’s Erika Verano and Apple Saraum are working hard as well. Verano is also busy preparing for her graduation.

“We are practicing hard and doing my best in catching up with the trainings because I am busy as well with my final exams and papers for my graduation” Verano said.

She added that they are training hard with their head coach Jordan Paca and assistant coach Thelma Datig at Wiggy’s beach.

“We will be training hard to defend our crown. But we will not underestimate our opponents because the players we will be facing are also champions,” said Verano.