USJR, FU make semifinals

By Charles Raymond A. Maxey

BORACAY -- The University of San Jose-Recoletos pair of Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tipgos stunned the Far Eastern University tandem of Joshua Alcarde and Jan Berlin Paglinawan in straight sets, 21-17, 21-16, to barge into the semi-finals of the 13th Nestea Beach Volley National Circuit 2009 Finals here Friday.

Carumba and Tipgos played cohesive ball all throughout in beating their FEU counterparts and their victory earned them a shot at the men's finals against Jade Becaldo and Precioso Bendijo Jr. of the University of Visayas.

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Incidentally, both Becaldo and Bendijo Jr. are roommates of Carumba and Tipgos at the La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel where players competing in the tournament and members of the press are being billeted.

"They are our roommates, but this is going to be war tomorrow (Saturday). We will play our best to beat them," Carumba said in the vernacular.

"We will work hard to advance to the finals and hopefully claim the championship," added the 20-year-old Carumba, a third year student taking up Business Management.

They are indeed up against a formidable opponent in Becaldo and Bendijo, who earlier beat them in the elimination Thursday in straight sets.

The UV pair advanced to the semifinals after defeating Alcarde and Paglinawan earlier in the day also in straight sets, 21-18, 21-19.

Defending champion Foundation University likewise moved in the final four.

Represented by Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso Sayson here, FU toppled Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi's Mohammad Reza Asakil and Halim Khan, 21-16, 25-27.

The University of Mindana-Davao pair of Paul John Saraga and Galileo Mascardo absorbed another defeat, this time at the hands of Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Eden Canlas and Erickson Joseph Ramos to bow out of contention.

Mykah Ramos and Aiza Armacion of the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) dropped their match against Anna Camille Abanto and Marigail Tolentino of Far Eastern University, 9-21, 18-21, to also kissed the championship goodbye.

The Nestea Fit Beach Volley 2009 Circuit is sponsored by Ipanema, Mikasa, Speedo, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu, La'Oreal Paris Elseve, Nautilus by PJ Aranador, D'Mall D'Boracay, Tagum Beach Volleydrome a Century Park, Hey! Jude Resort and La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.