San Beda University, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Arellano University came through with huge games to clinch their very first title in their respective divisions in the NCAA beach volleyball tournament at the Boardwalk in Subic Bay, Zambales Saturday.
Twice runners-up, twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray ended two years of frustration by beating EAC’s Jaylene May Lumbo and Glyka Mariz Medina, 21-17, 21-10, to sweep their way to their first ever crown in the women’s division.
The Virays, who lost to San Sebastian’s Grethcel Solltones and Alyssa Eroa in the last two finals, completed their magical season with a perfect 11-0 (win-loss) record.
EAC’s Paolo Cezar Lim and Joshua Mina edged Perpetual Help’s Joebert Almodiel and Rey Taneo with a come-from-behind 17-21, 21-17, 15-13 win to likewise book their first men’s crown.
The Lim-Mina tandem also wound up with a pristine 11-0 slate.
AU for its part bucked a broken finger by Adrian Villados as Jesus Valdez and reserve Zachary Dablo, 21-16, 21-18 to also take home its first championship in the high school division.