IF THEIR pre-season form was any indication of their forthcoming success, then the future looks bright for the Ateneo Lady Beach Spikers.
Last July 17, Asia Urquico and Sharah So garnered a first place finish against Letran’s Beach Volleyball team, 14-21, 21-13, and 17-15.
So shares, “Our pre-season victories show that we are definitely in a higher level than before, pero hindi pa naman pang-Philippine team (but not yet in Philippine-team level).”
Currently, they remain to be consistent contenders in the weekly Cantada Sports Tournament, which began last May 16, placing in the top three spots on a weekly basis. Urquico said, “[joining the Cantada tournament] has made a big difference.”
“It has immensely improved our game plan, and it also keeps our mind sharp,” she adds.
Humble beginnings
Beach volleyball is relatively new in the realm of the UAAP.
In beach volleyball only two players take the court, making it a very fast and action-packed sport, requiring a lot of quick thinking. Team member Jessica Morado shares, “Beach volleyball is ultimately a game of wits – scoring in the easiest way possible, using all the elements to your advantage, constantly trying to outsmart your opponent.”
“Beach volleyball is a fun sport to watch because mabilis lang siya (it’s quick) and it’s exciting especially when the game is close. Not to mention puro naka-bikini lahat (everyone is wearing bikinis).” Urquico jokes.
With a pioneer team composed of Patti Taganas, Charo Soriano and Karla Bello, the Ateneo Beach Volleyball Team first started competing in 2006. Since then, the team has excelled in tournaments all over the archipelago, including a second place finish in the very first UAAP beach volleyball season in 2007.
Now composed of the athletic trio of Morado, Urquico and So—who were also part of the Track and Field—the team’s speed, power, and agility will be a key assets in this season’s UAAP.
Meanwhile, double-agents JP Pareja, Neil Flores, and Walter Caancan , who are all also part of the indoor volleyball team, make up the men’s team.
Pre-season
While the Lady Beach Spikers have been active in the pre-season, the lack of available tournaments in the men’s division—the UAAP and the University Games, being the only formal tournaments available—have left the men’s team short of competitive experience.
Nevertheless, the men’s team has been training with the men’s volleyball team, aiming to improve on their seventh place finish in the UAAP last year.
Training and Expectations
For the Lady beach spikers, trianing is twice a week, but an even tougher regime — daily training sessions — will be implicated as the UAAP draws closer.
According to Urquico, “This year, our training is less only because the weather is a bit off.”
In spite of the difficulties in training, however, the Lady Beach Spikers feel that they are on the right track. “Last year, we focused mainly on the basics [of volleyball]; while this year, we are focusing on defense, placing, and positions,” So says.
“I think now we are definitely peaking at the right time and a championship is going to be difficult but not impossible,” she adds.
The UAAP Beach Volleyball tournament kicks-off this September, with all games to be held in the La Salle Greenhills beach volleyball courts.
