UV, USPF spikers retain title

CEBU, Philippines — The University of the Visayas and University of Southern Philippines Foundation successfully defended their title after dominating their respective division in the 2018 Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) beach volleyball tournament at the Fort San Pedro sand court last Saturday.

UV, powered by the formidable duo of Raphy Abanto and John Kevin Juban annihilated University of San Carlos of Jonel Tabale and Joachim Guaren in straight sets, 21-17, 21-11 to complete their Grand Slam title.

Abanto, who was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum for second-straight year said, the experience from joining prior tournaments helped them gear up for this season.

"We just had a short time to practice but the experiences we earned from joining prior games and tournaments really helped us a lot. We were not complacent because our opponents were good and so we just applied what we've practiced and played our very best," said Abanto.

Juban, for his part, considers the team's achievement a wonderful Christmas present."We had challenges in our training but the hard work was all worth it. This is a very wonderful Christmas gift for us,"  he said.

Earlier, University of Cebu swept Cebu Institute of Technology-University to claim the third place honor, 21-13, 21-18.

In the boys division, USPF clinched their back-to-back title in the after upending Southwestern University-Phinma, 21-18, 21-15.

USPF's rookies Ian Kym Jumandos and Amil Pacinio Jr. triumphed over SWU's Rafol Sico and Niño Mhil Pacinio.

"I feel proud of my self because we were able to get the championship (again). We really prepared and worked hard for this," said Jumandos, who was hailed as MVP.

Pacinio, on his end, said their training program was their key to winning.

"I think the training program of our coach was the key why we win. It was very challenging but we just persevered and put all our efforts during practice," he said.

USC earned the third place finish after defeating USJ-R, 21-17, 21-23, 15-13. (FREEMAN)