Subic—Sta. Lucia and Abanse Negrense opened their respective campaigns on a high note as they crushed their respective foes in the 2021 Gatorade-Philippine Superliga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup at the Subic Bay sands court here.
Bang Pineda and Jonah Sabete of Sta. Lucia B showed no sign of rust as they routed Ariane Alarcon and Christina Canares of Kennedy Solar Energy-PetroGazz, 21-10, 21-9, in the opening match of this historic tourney that has Cherrylume, Ube Express and Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel as sponsors and Cocolife, Cocogen Insurance, Data Project and Genius Sports as technical partners.
A few hours later, it was the tandem of DM Demontano and Jackie Estoquia of Sta. Lucia B that made its presence felt as it clobbered Jonah San Pedro and Javen Sabas of Toby’s Sports, 21-18, 21-13.
Also emerging victorious was the duo of Alexa Polidario and Erjan Magdato of Abanse Negrense, which crushed Jennymar Senares and Kyla Gallego of F2 Logistics, 21-15, 21-12, to wrap up the morning battles of this competition that was made possible through the support of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Inter-Agency Task Force Region 3.
Their counterparts, Jennifer Cosas and Gelimae Villanueva of Abanse Negros B, also pocketed an early victory after dominating Ella Viray and Theresa Ramas of United Auctioneers, Inc., 21-13, 21-12, in Pool B.
But more than winning their first assignment, Pineda and Sabete said they were happy to see action for the first time in 11 months owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.
“At this point, more than winning the game, we are very happy to play again in a tournament,” said Pineda, a noted floor defender during her stint with the Lady Realtors in the indoor battle.
“Missing the game for so long made me more inspired and I’m sure all players are motivated to win in this very competitive tournament.”
Sabete agreed, saying that they are more than glad to see action in the PSL, which is the country’s first-ever volleyball league to roll out its season in this time of pandemic.
“Finally, after almost a year, we were able to play again. We’re really excited and inspired as we continue to compete in the PSL.”