SUBIC BAY—Perpetual Help’s Relan and Rey Taneo Jr. showed grit and determination to snatch a come-from-behind 18-21, 21-15, 17-15 win over Emilio Aguinaldo’s Joshua Mina and Paolo Cezar Lim yesterday and seize a share of the lead with Lyceum of the Philippines University in the men’s division of the 92nd NCAA beach volley tournament at beach sands fronting Subic Park Hotel here.
After fighting back from a set down by taking the second set, the Taneo brothers erased a 10-14 deficit in the third and deciding frame by seizing seven of the last eight points, the match and their fourth straight victory for joint first in Day 2 of this held stage here annually.
“We’re just determined to win here,” said Relan, who was part of the team that lost the indoor volley crown to eventual champion Mapua and last year’s beach volley finale to a Johnvic de Guzman-led St. Benilde team
The Taneos had already exacted revenge right on the opening day when they pulled the rug from under De Guzman and partner Owen Bacani in a 21-17, 21-18 win the day before.
LPU’s Jhonel Badua and Meko Franz Binas smashed Emilio Aguinaldo’s Joshua Mina and Paolo Cezar Lim, 21-14, 21-14, to likewise stay unscathed in four outings and at joint first with the Las Pinas-based school.
Perpetual Help is seeking its second men’s crown while LPU is eyeing its first ever championship in the sport.
In women’s action, Perpetual Help’s Marjito Medalla and Maria Aurora Tripoli downed Letran’s Kathleen Barrinuevo and Honey Kris Laserna, 21-14, 21-10 and Arellano U’s Regine Anne Arocha and Jovielyn Grace Prado, 21-14, 21-16, to also remain undefeated.
San Beda twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray bested St. Benilde’s Ma. Angela Enginco at Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23 and Mapua’s Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon ng Mapua, 21-6, 21-15, to share the top with their Las Pinas-based rivals.
Also unbeaten with three wins were three-peat champions Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa, following a 21-13, 21-15 victory over Letran’s Kathleen Barrinuevo and Honey Kris Laserna.
The Lady Altas are gunning for their fifth title, while San Beda is aiming for its very first crown.
Soltones and Eroa, for their part, are looking at a four-peat feat and a league-best seventh crown.
