Thelma Datig, the point person of the tournament, eyes the resurgence of some of Cebu’s top volleyball players including 2003 national champion of the Nestea Beach Volleyball competitions, Janeth Ponte.
“I have asked Janeth, including other national standouts, to join so that we would have added attraction,” Datig said.
Ponte, Datig’s protégé from Southwestern University (SWU), who has hung her shoes long ago and is only doing work from the sideline as official and as a coach, will be back in action though she is still on the lookout for a possible partner.
“I might (join). It is an exciting thought to be able to play again because I have not played in a long time but I may not be in shape anymore so I’m still thinking about it,” said Ponte, who is also considering to take up coaching instead.
No reunion
There won’t be a reunion between Ponte and winning partner Florian Gutierrez, who will be out of the country during the competitions.
If Ponte participates, there will be a renewal of old rivalry as Ponte’s victim in the 2003 national final, Janelle Tabio, who used to play for Foundation University, will be competing under SWU.
Aside from Ponte and Tabio, Datig also invited former University of San Jose-Recoletos’ (USJ-R) stalwart Mechelle Matuguina and University of Southern Philippines’ (USP-F) Marissa Lagancia and Ellen Pongasi, who finished third in the nationals last year.
Meanwhile, all six teams from the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), will take part in the indoor contest. Cesafi champions USJ-R tops the roster with USP-F, SWU, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas and University of Cebu.
“I am expecting teams from the Gov Cup and commercial teams like Hiroshi to field teams in both beach and indoor competitions,” said Datig.
Coaches and officials will meet tonight to discuss the details of the tournament.
