MANILA, Philippines — Sta Lucia Realty pair Jackie Estoquia and DM Demontano and F2 Logistics duo Mich Morente and Fritz Gallenero arranged a semifinals showdown in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup after turning back separate rivals yesterday at Sands by the Bay.
Estoquia and Demontano swept Mumay Vivas and Jannine Navarro of Cignal B, 21-10, 21-13, while Gallenero Morente progressed at the expense of Mylene Paat and Raprap Aguilar of Cignal A, 18-21, 21-15, 16-14.
Estoquia and Demontano said they spent the whole night watching Internet videos of Vivas and Navarro and devised a game plan against their rivals.
“It was our plan to dominate and pull away from the get go. We cannot let them get close because we know what they’re capable of,” said Estoquia. “I believe that our hardwork and teamwork were the keys to our win.”
For their part, Morente and Gallenero struggled before hurdling Cignal A in the quarterfinals.
Tied at 11-11 in the third set, Cignal cruised to the match point, 14-13, before F2 Logistics scored three straight points, capped by Morente’s service ace that bounced off the net to seal the win.
“We had a hard time controlling the ball, especially our service. The wind was too strong and we couldn’t handle it in the first set. Good thing we adjusted in the second set and Mich and I just kept going,” said Gallenero.
“It was difficult but we just kept our composure, we took it one attack, one reception at a time,” added Morente.
Meanwhile, Sands by the Bay and Foton forged a finals duel after dispatching their respective opponents in men’s play.
Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad of Sands by the Bay bested Philip Bagalay and Gregory Utupo of Smart, 21-15, 21-14, while Kris Roy Guzman and Lemuel Arbasto of Foton dominated Mika Abria and Jessie Lopez of Cignal, 21-15, 21-14.