Panis takes lead in beach volley

UNIVERSITY of San Carlos beach volley player Suzette Panis took the lead in the elimination round of the Queen of the Beach tournament at the Fort San Pedro beach volley sand courts last Saturday.

Panis, who played eight games with different partners, scored a total of 164 points, just two ahead of Southwestern University’s Raphril Aguilar. Danica Gendrauli is tied with Jusabelle Brillo for third 158 points. The rest of the top eight are Rica Jane Rivera (151), Ivy Abella (145), Therese Ramas (141) and Erika Verano (138).

Organizer and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) beach volleyball consultant Eric Lecain said the ranking for the final eight was determined in the last game.

“The final outcome could not be determined until the last point was played. This is why I like the format so much. Just like in the men’s tournament, every point is so important and the lead can change many times. It also pairs players who usually would never play or practice together,” Lecain said.

He added that some of the younger players were scared at the beginning of the tournament but at the end of the day, they were looking forward to playing with the older ones.

“At first nakulbaan ko especially playing with veteran players, however nindot ang opportunity na I was able to play with Cebu’s best because bisan sa kadyot na panahon, I learned something from them,” said Jonalyn Labra of University of Cebu.

Lecain said that the older players seem to enjoy trying to figure out the strategies for playing in situations they had never had to face before.

“This is the first time that I played this kind of format. Nindot siya because you get a chance to partner with different players, very challenging because you will be paired with someone for the first time,” said Brillo, a former national team member.

Lecain said he organized this kind of tournament to increase the level of play and create something fun and interesting.