JOVELYN Gonzaga is coming back to defend her crown
But this time, she will have a new partner when action in the Belo-Philippine Super Liga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup starts this Thursday at the Sands By the Bay in the Mall of Asia.
Veteran Maica Morada has signed up to join Gonzaga for Cignal HD-A.
Gonzaga, formerly with RC Cola Army, has parted ways with longtime teammate Nene Bautista, who is undergoing military training.
Last year, Gonzaga and Bautista turned back Foton Toplander spikers Cherry Rondina and Patty Orendain, 21-18, 18-21, 15-13, in the finals.
The 25-year-old Gonzaga said she has been working with the her partnership with Morada over the last three days.
“It’s getting along well,” said Gonzaga during a PSL presentation at the Center Stage in the Mall of Asia.
Gonzaga and Morada are expected to get challenged by Cherry Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, who will play for Petron Sprint 4, along with the seasoned duo of Orendain and Ceballos, who will banner Generika-Ayala A.
Orendain was Rondina’s teammate last year. Ceballos, a seasoned campaigner, saw action with Orendain two years ago.
Other players in the tournament are Cyd Demecillo and Fritz Gallenero of F2 Logistics A; Aby Marano and Cha Cruz of F2 Logistics B; Rosalie Pepito and Kathleen Arado of Generika-Ayala B; Janine Marciano and Mylene Paat of Cignal HD B; Wensh Tiu and Abie Nuval of Cocolife; Marichu Medalla and Bianca Tripoli of Perpetual Help; Danika Gendrauli and Jackilyn Estoquia of Sta. Lucia and Kathleen Barrinuevo and Cherylyn Sindayen of Foton.
In the men’s side, the participants are Erickson Ramos and Edmar Bonono for Cignal HD, Rey and Relan Taneo for Perpetual Help A, Jayjay Solamillo and Gilbert Balmores for Perpetual Help-B.
IEM-A will field in Arjay Saledo and Romnick Samson, IEM-B will banner Michael Zamora and Carlito Delito, while TVM will have Arjay Onia and Geraint Bacon.
Emmanuel Gamat and Conrad Cabrera will play for Wayuk, while Anthony Arbasto teams up with Calvin Sarte.