Manzano makes farewell stint in Petron volleyball

MANILA, Philippines - Jennifer Manzano suits up for De La Salle-Dasmariñas for the fourth and last time when the first leg of the 10th Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball Tournament gets under way tomorrow in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Manzano, a graduating criminology student, will team up with new partner Giselle Bembo when action begins at 9 a.m. at the sand courts of the De La Salle-Health and Science Institute.

“This is her last year. Supposed to be, the first leg is for neophytes. But, there are many experienced players competing. So the matches will be very interesting,” said organizer Tisha Abundo during yesterday’s weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave., Manila.

The 5-10 Lady Patriot will not only shoot for the first-leg crown with Bembo, but will also seek a slot in the Battle of Champions, which she once ruled with a different partner.

The 23-year-old Manzano got the opportunity of making it to the grand finale after winning the first leg last year with Satchel Senupe, but they skipped the Battle of Champions due to other commitments. She, however, won the overall Petron crown two years ago.

Nine other teams are seeing action in the two-day spikefest backed by Mikasa Balls and Speedo.

Iari Yongco teams up with La Salle-Dasmariñas teammate Mariel Desengano, while Letran’s Gena Andaya is paired with Sarah Jane Espelita.

Another Letran duo is the roster – Justyne Mae Tadeo is with Melissa Cu.

San Beda College’s Janine Marciano is playing with Coline Malana as her partner, while San Beda-2’s Kim de la Vega will team up with Debbie Dultra.

Last year’s first-leg winner Francislyn Cais sees action with University of the East schoolmate Jessica Paron, while Jimberly Dawn Dizon and Leuseth Dawis comprise UE-2.

University of the Philippine-1 is made up of Pauline Genido and Liezchel Tiu, while UP-2 is composed of Amanda Christine Isada and Joyce del Rosario.