INQUIRER Sports

TAGUM CITY -- Defending national champion Mindanao State University-Tawi Tawi racked up two wins Wednesday while local teams remained on top of the heap after the second day of the 12th Nestea Beach Volleyball Mindanao eliminations at the Tagum Beach Volleydrome at Rotary Park here.

Represented by brothers Yusop and Momoy Abdulkarim, MSU-T ousted Xavier bannered by Michael Crisostomo and Ryan Mark Abutits, 21-14, 21-23, 15-10. The second MSU-T win came against the Ateneo de Davao University tandem of Spar John Cosme and Bernabe Fernandez Jr., 21-12, 21-17.

MSU-T moved into a fourth place tie with Agusan Institute of Technology and Davao Marine Merchant Academy at 2-1.

Fever-stricken Raquelito Tayabas and Lowell Fabian still handed UMT a 3-0 slate in the 12-team men?s bracket after downing AIT, 21-17, 21-13.

?Medyo nanghihina ako ng kaunti pero kaya ko namang maglaro (I was feeling a little weak but I can still play),? said Tayabas, who has been playing with fever since Monday. ?Gusto ko kasing manalo kami (I really want us to win).?

Capitol University was in solo second at 2-0 while Holy Cross of Davao College occupied third at 3-1. MSU-Main, Xavier, Maharlika Institute of Technology and 2007 Mindanao third placer Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College remained winless so far.

The ladies squad of UMT and MSU-T led the way with 2-0 records while six other teams were tied at 1-1.

UMT?s Mylin Que and and Liezel Manatad beat University of Mindanao-Davao?s Maricel Cabus and Janice Arnaiz, 21-17, 21-9, while MSU-T?s Lina Gampong and Fauzia Idrissalam poured it all in the third set to conquer Holy Cross? Mykah Ramos and Aiza Armacion, 21-18, 23-21, 15-8.

UMD, HCDC, Jose Maria College, MSU-Main, Capitol and Ateneo de Davao all tote 1-1 marks.