Monday, May 12, 2008 Back on top By Edri K. Aznar Sun.Star Staff Reporter
THE fiery rivalry of Southwestern University (SWU) and the University of the Visayas (UV) was once again rekindled as they faced off in another grudge championship match in the 1st San Remegio Beach Volleyball Open.
However, this time had a different ending from last month’s Nestea Beach Volley finals in Boracay as UV’s powerhouse tandem of Jusabelle Brillo and Janez Armie Igot regained their former glory with a close, 15-21, 21-18 and 15-12, victory over the SWU dynamic duo of Florianne Guttierez and Janelle Tabio.
In the first set, UV started out strong with an early 5-3 advantage against SWU.
Suddenly SWU surged with a four-point rally which started from a powerful spike by Tabio that broke through a block by Brillo for the 7-5 lead.
A couple of mistakes had the teams tied at 7 but that was the last time UV got close to SWU in the first set as Tabio and Guttierez increased their lead by as much as six points and capped the first set 21-15.
It was a different story in the second set as both teams were in for a thrilling battle.
UV once again drew first blood with a tip by Igot and an early 7-4 advantage but Tabio quickly capitalized on a mistake by Igot, scoring straight three points to tie the game 7-7.
UV had a rally of their own and led 11-7 due to the powerful spikes by Igot and Brillo. Furious, SWU retaliated and scored five straight points to steal the lead 12-11.
Rest
UV took a time out and a rejuvenated UV squad sprung back into the blistering sand and counterattacked after the brief rest.
Refusing to bow again to SWU, Igot took command and scored three of UV’s last five points for the 21-18 match set.
The third set was still a close battle but clearly the momentum has shifted to UV and SWU was just trailing the whole time from start to finish.
“SWU is a very good team but it was because of the hard work of my team that helped them win,” said UV head coach Raffy Briones told Sun.Star Cebu.
Meanwhile, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Danika Gendrauli and Erika Verano grabbed the third spot as they overcame the Volleygals of Kenneth Garces and Marissa Lagancia, 25-21.
On the other hand, San Remegio Vice Mayor Niño Bascon said that he will improve on the venue of the beach volleyball court and will be holding a bigger event in the second installment of this competition.
“We will improve the place. Next year it would be a bigger event. I have all out support for beach volleyball,” said Bascon.
This event was organized by the local government of San Remegio with the Guv Cup and sactioned by the Cebu Volleyball Association. (EKA)
