As the UAAP Beach Volleyball season comes into full swing this August 28, the GUIDON introduces you to the six Beach Spikers that will battle it out for the Blue and White at the UE Caloocan beach volleyball courts.

MEN’S TEAM

Neil Flores

At 5’11 this open utility spiker has been playing volleyball since fourth grade – roughly 10 years of volleyball experience. As a seasoned player, this year marks the first time that he will suit up for both the beach volleyball team and the indoor volleyball team—later in the second season. Flores says that beach volleyball makes you jump higher, makes your defensive game stronger, teaches you how to outsmart your opponent, while also improving your speed. But aside from volleyball, Neil shares that he also has a passion for dancing.

Gelo Caancan

Now on his second year playing beach volleyball, this 5’8 utility spiker has had six years of volleyball experience under his belt. Caancan shares that there’s a lot more action on the beach court compared to indoor volleyball. When it comes to this season, he says, “I think we can put up a better fight this season.” Stepping off the court, people best know him as a science major but his love of writing led him to the path of being a Communication major.

JP Pareja

A 5’6 libero on the indoor volleyball team Pareja has been playing volleyball for seven years. In his two years of experience on the beach court, he says that he likes the intensity of the beach game more. He shares that in beach volleyball, players learn how to stand up for their own – it’s your call whether you want something or not. Making the final four is his target this year. Outside the court, he says that people find it hard to believe that he is an Environmental Science major.

WOMEN’S TEAM

Asia Urquico

A 5’6 spiker-setter for the beach volleyball team, Urquico has been playing on the beach courts for three years now. This year she says that they are experimenting with new tactics such as more blocking– to keep opponents frazzled. The beach veteran hopes that this will be their year, aiming for a top three podium finish. On a lighter note, other than volleyball, Urquico enjoys playing other sports such as indoor volleyball, hammer throw, and Ultimate Frisbee. Her other interests include Chinese medicine, speaking Spanish and Portuguese, traveling, org work and photography. A fun fact about her: she says she can sing like a chipmunk.

Jessica Morado

This 5’3 spiker-setter for the beach volleyball team is on her third year of beach volleyball. But before solidifying her interest in beach volleyball, she tried numerous sports such as swimming, indoor volleyball, and a bit of everything else. A sports fanatic, Morada says that she would give any sport a go. With regard to this UAAP season she says, “There’s no way we’re not going to get into the final four” She adds that, “[this year] is [our] medal year.”

Sharah So

A 5’6 spiker-setter for the beach volleyball team, So is also in her third year of playing beach volleyball.  “This season will be our year,” she shares, “we’ll do our best to get to the top four and then go for third, second, and first.” But stepping off the beach volleyball court, she has tried every sport; basketball, indoor volleyball, track and field, swimming, badminton, and table tennis. The beach spiker is a self-professed genuine sports buff; she simply enjoys them all.

Editor’s Note: visit www.theguidon.com for full game recaps.

Schedule

Seniors Beach Volleyball

Women’s Beach Volleyball