By John Bryan Ulanday
SANTO Tomas captured its third straight title in the UAAP men’s beach volleyball, fending off a gritty challenge from National University in the thrilling finale on Sunday at the Sands SM By The Bay.
Rancel Varga and Jaron Requinton proved to be a dazzling duo for the Tiger Spikers, whose escape act in the back-and-forth first set paved the way to their successful title retention.
Overall, it’s the sixth title for Santo Tomas as the league’s winningest beach volleyball squad.
“Our goal is to win the championship, ‘yung three-peat po. Bonus na lang po ‘yung MVP,” said Mr. Varga following a stellar performance buoyed by the presence of his family.
With Santo Tomas’ dynasty on the line, Mr. Varga got a needed help from veteran Mr. Requinton who was fielded only in the tailend of the eliminations from being the team’s third player.
Mr. Requinton stamped his class as a national team veteran highlighted by a clinching block in the first set for a 1-0 cushion. There was no looking back for Messrs. Varga, Requinton and the Tiger Spikers since then in a more convincing second set win.
Earlier, La Salle bested University of the Philippines, 21-17, 21-17, to win the bronze medal behind Rookie of the Year Noel Kampton.