SANTA ANA, Cagayan – Davao’s pride Lot Catubag and Karen Quilario added another gold in their vast collection, while Malaysia ruled the men’s division in the CEZA and First Cagayan presents Beach Volleyball Republic International Santa Ana Open yesterday here.
Playing under heavy rain and wind, Catubag and Quilario was still brillant as ever in the soggy sand by pulling off a dominant 21-14, 21-14 victory over Iloilo’s DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia and complete a perfect campaign in the two-day spikefest.
Malaysians Raja Nazmi Hussin and Mohd Aizzat Zokri toppled University of the Visayas’ Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, 21-17, 21-18, to emerge as men’s champions.
Catubag and Quilario, who made it to the Round of 12 of the recent FIVB World Tour Manila Open, followed up their successful BVR national championship in Dagupan a few months ago by playing smart under difficult conditions.
After struggling to strong winds and losing to FEU’s Jeremiah Barrica and Kevin Hadlocon on opening day, Malaysia went on a five-match win streak to win the gold.
In the women’s semifinals, Demontaño and Estoquia swept Harbor Pilot-Cebu’s Therese Ramas and Dij Rodriguez, 21-16, 21-19, to secure a finals ticket opposite Catubag and Quilario, a 21-17, 21-18 winner over Tuguegarao’s Charo Soriano and Bea Tan.
Catubag and Quilario started the final day by overpowering Singapore Merlion’s Kelly Yuen and Huang Zihui, 21-10, 21-15, to go perfect in Pool B at 3-0.
Ramas and Rodriguez outlasted Soriano and Tan under brutal late morning heat, 14-21, 26-24, 15-13, to complete a three-match sweep.
