Team
After failing to finish in the Final Four last season, the Blue Eagles will be working towards improvement in the last playing year of some key veterans. Owing a lackluster performance to a lack of training on the sand and the sudden implementation of a new tournament system, the trio are out to capture former glory on the beach.
Team Captain
Karl Baysa
After spending two seasons as a substitute, graduating captain Karl Baysa will now make a return alongside fellow graduating player Marck Espejo. With Baysa’s defensive prowess complementing Espejo’s offensive capabilities, the veteran duo will surely hope to improve their standing from last year.
“It’s my last year, so without a doubt, I will be giving my all. No excuses. I will see to it that I’ll be able to cover every aspect that needs improvement.”
Marck Espejo
The four-time Most Valuable Player for indoor volleyball will be playing in his fifth and final year alongside captain Karl Baysa. Espejo won Ateneo’s first beach volleyball championship back in Season 78 alongside former captain Ysay Marasigan and hopes to end his career on the sand on a similar note.
John Rivera
Indoor volleyball veteran and beach volleyball rookie John Rivera will play the role of substitute for Baysa and Espejo. The three-time UAAP indoor volleyball champion will add much needed backup offensive firepower for the duo. Gaining experience and honing his skills will be paramount for Rivera this season.
Coach’s Corner
Oliver Almadro
Coming off a three-peat indoor volleyball championship, coach Oliver Almadro looks to improve the Blue Eagles’ standings with a relatively new lineup. With Baysa originally recruited to bolster the beach volleyball team, his partnership with Espejo may just be what coach Almadro needs to find success on the sand.
“We target first to go back to the final four and then we’ll take it from there.”
