BORACAY – Light team composed of Rachel Anne Daquis, Michele Gumabao, Cha Cruz and Gretchen Ho leaned on a solid defense to turn back Dark team of Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Mela Tunay, Tricia Santos and Amy Ahomiro, 21-18, 14-21, 15-12, in the Nestea Fantasy Beach Volleyball on Friday at Bocaray Beach Chalet.
Down by one, 11-12, in the deciding set, the Light team foiled attacks by Santiago-Manabat while benefitting from the Dark team’s miscues to rule the first-ever fantasy match of the 18-year beach volleyball tournament.
Former UAAP rivals Gumabao and Cruz of La Salle, Daquis of Far Eastern University and Ho from Ateneo joined forces for the first time, while former Lady Spiker star Cruz got back on the powdery white sand beach of Boracay for a competition after a long absence.
“Sobrang saya. It was really hot out there this afternoon but I think it was a really good, close fight.” Ho shared to Spin.ph.
“It was also fun playing with Cha Cruz, Michele Gumabao and Rachel Daquis. I've never been teammates with them so it was a good experience,” she added.
After taking charge in the opening set, the Light team scrambled in the second and gave too many unforced errors, which the dark team pounced on.
The beauteous volleybelles showed no sign of fatigue despite having their flight on Wednesday night delayed for four hours and arriving at the island at five in the morning.