THE Governor Peter Unabia-backed spikers were off to a strong start in the Invitational Open Women Beach Volleyball Tournament yesterday at the Municipal Plaza Freedom Stage in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Powered by the tandem of Francheska Ann Tyros and BJ Magdale, the Misamis Oriental Hotties survived a tough challenge from the JRC Ozamis side in a breathtaking duel that ended in the deciding third set, 17-21, 21-16, and 13-15.
Bringing the name of Paglaum, Misamis Oriental’s other team powered by the University of Santo Tomas varsity duo of Gen Eslapor and Blove Barbon had no trouble against MSR Dipolog whom they blasted in two-straight sets, 21-15, 21-16.
“Lipay lang ‘mi nga nakauna, pero dako pa kaayo ang sagubangon kay daghan kusog nga mga dayo,” said Misamis Oriental coach Reynante ‘Bong’ Rameri.
Eslapor and Barbon of the Paglaum team are touted as the favorite to run away with the championship trophy and the P100,000 top purse after their title finishes in UAAP Season 85 beach volleyball.
The Opol native Eslapor then partnered with Dij Rodriguez in reaching the all-Pinay finals of the just-held Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour in Subic, Philippines won by the pair of Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga.
“Ampo lang gyod daghan nga ma-sustain ilang momentum,” Misamis Oriental sports coordinator Francis Sean Condeza told Gold Star Daily.
Serving as a significant highlight of the 86th Linggo Ng Sindangan 2022, the cash-rich tourney bankrolled by Sindangan Mayor Rosendo ‘Dodoy’ S. Labadlabad will be slated until December 21.
