Foundation tossers, Adamson near final

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO
May 8, 2009, 5:55pm


BORACAY – Defending men's champion Foundation University and Luzon women's leg titlist Adamson University moved a win of reaching the 13th Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Finals Friday with contrasting victories.

Behind a rock-solid defense and brilliant net assaults, the Foundation U pair of Buensuceso Sayson and Arnel Amadeo overwhelmed Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi's Mohammad Asakil and Halim Khan, 21-16, 27-25, to clinch the first Final Four berth.

“We had some hard time during the second set when they forced us to the limit, but we still pulled through because of our great defense,” said the-20-year old Amadeo, whose powerful smashes made him an instant hero in island paradise.

“We're a bit pressured going into the semifinals because there's a lot of expectation,” said the rookie Sayson, a commerce student, whose partnership with Amadeo also earned them this year's UniGames title.

FU, gunning for its third title after winning the crown in 2001, will face the winner between MSU-T and Letran Saturday, May 9.

While FU had a relatively easy going, Adamson's new pair of Angela Benting and Lizlee Ann Gata, the main core of the Lady Falcons who triumphed in the Shakey's V-League last year, needed a extra set to nip University of San Agustin's Krystle Marie Suizo and Jackielyn Estoquia, 16-21,21-18,15-13 to also cruise to the semifinals.

The Lady Falcons will face the victor between University of San Agustin and Far Eastern University in the Final Four.

In other women's play, Julie Billote and Rubie Bordon of Visyas leg champion University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos likewise made it to the Final Four following a 14-21,21-17,15-8 thrashing of University of Southern Philippines Foundations' Erika Verano and Apple Saraum.

In the other men's action, University of Visayas' Jade Becaldo and Precioso Bendijo Jr. also eased though the next stage after surprising Joshua Alcarde and Jan Paglinawan of Luzon leg champion FEU 21-18, 21-19.

UV will face darkhorse University of San Jose-Recoletos' Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tigpos who dumped FEU, 21-17, 21-16 in the losers' bracket later in the day.

(Photo by NOEL CELIS)