MANILA, Philippines - Veterans Jessica Paron and Francislyn Cais gear up for a big comeback as they seek to regain the crown at home in the third leg of the 2012 Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball tournament starting tomorrow at the sand courts of the University of the East-Caloocan campus.
But the UE standouts, winners of the Battle of Champions last year, will have their hands full against a field that includes the titleholders from the UAAP, NCAA and NAASCU.
Twelve teams are seeing action in the upcoming tournament, according to organizer Tisha Abundo, who, however, added that majority of the participants are newcomers.
“The participants don’t necessarily have to represent the schools. This is an open tournament,” said Abundo.
Three-time NCAA finalist Giza Yumang, a former St. Benilde standout now with Centro Escolar University, will be teaming up with Melissa Tebangin, while Adamson will be led by Paulina Soriano and new partner Sheila Pineda, who made it to the UAAP Final Four last season.
Others in the fold are former La Salle-Dasmariñas spiker Satchel Senupe and Anna Adolfo, and AMA Computer College’s Lorie Lyn Longalong and Sheila Mae Fajardo.
La Salle Dasmariñas, meanwhile, will field in two teams in Monique Tiangco and Maribeth Lara, and Bea Canillas and Cherry Rose Nuñag, UE-2 will have Krysel Cueva and Marni Pedrosa, San Sebastian will parade Gretchel Soltones and Czarina Berbano, while Philippine School of Business Administration will be led by Naomi Otoshi and Joan Arceo.
Arellano University, meanwhile, will be bannered by Jan Galang and Mary Jane Ticar, and Ma. Evangeline Pastor and Evelyn Gomez will anchor newcomer St. Dominic of Asia’s bid.