Monday, July 21, 2008 Cebu’s beach volleyball princess joins RP team
AFTER a two-year courtship, Cebu’s beach volley princess, Jusabelle Brillo, finally agreed to go to Manila and be a member of the national beach volleyball team, putting another Cebuano face in a national squad that mostly gives attention to Manila athletes.
Brillo, who is the other half of the powerhouse University of the Visayas duo, had always stood out among the field of
players, even against those from Manila. She was discovered while competing for the Nestea Beach Volleyball.
Brillo, who is from Lapu-Lapu City, has been pursued by RP team coach Nonoy Lopez when he saw her during the Nestea Beach Volleyball national finals in Boracay.
That time, however, Brillo was more keen on defending the crown and had to decline Lopez’s offer before accepting it this year.
“I was not ready during that time but I feel they are confident that I can do it so I accepted it and will give it a shot,” said the
unassuming Brillo.
Brillo, known to be a brilliant and intelligent and thinking player, captured the attention of the RP team mentors because of her fluid moves and strong arms.
Going to Manila was quite an adventure for the 23-year-old beach queen as she flew on the Philippine Air Force service
plane, the C130, which had to make a stopover in Romblon to drop off aid.
When she finally arrived in Manila, Brillo was still hesitant.
“I don’t know if I can last long here. But I am ready to give it my all so that I will not disappoint anyone,” she said.
However, the first-time anxiety quickly faded when she was able to adjust to the surrounding.
Brillo will be training with new partner Michelle Carolino, who played for the indoor volleyball team of the country in the Southeast Asian Games in 2005. (MCB)
