Saraum, Rica top Talisay beach volley

CEBU, Philippines - Apple Eve Saraum and Rochelle Rica of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) overcame an ice-cold start to upstage Suzette Panis and Chona Gesulga of the University of San Carlos (USC) in three sets and clinch the championship of the Talisay City Invitational Beach Volley Tournament yesterday at the Liberation Park in Brgy. Poblacion of the host city.

Saraum and Rica had a horrendous start, allowing the Carolinians to win the first set in lopsided fashion, 21-11.

Saraum and Rica, however, suddenly woke up from deep offensive slumber to thrash Panis and Gesulga by a dozen points in the second set, 21-9, hence the rubbermatch.

In the decider, the two protagonists figured in a closely-knit match that thrilled the spectators to the bones. USC had the matchpoint advantage, 14-12, but the big-hearted USPF tandem replied with a 3-to-nothing rally to wrest the upperhand, 15-14.

USC knotted the count at 15-all to forge a slide, but Saraum and Rica racked up two straight points to seal the breath-taking triumph.

“Everything was unexpected. We did not expect to reach the semifinal, much more win the championship," said Saraum, who bagged the national title of the 13th Nestea Beach Volley with partner Erika Camille Verano three years ago in Boracay Island.

Saraum and Rica pocketed P7,000 for their efforts, while Panis and Gesulga took home P5,000.

Former Philippine Team member Jusabelle Brillo and Murielle Froilan of Froilan Trading received P3,000 for placing third after defeating Vhea Abellana and Therese Ramas in straight sets, 25-23, 21-16.