Blazers stop Atlas to clinch NCAA beach volley crown

St. Benilde players receiver their awards. Contributed Photo/ KC Cruz

PUERTO GALERA, Philippines—St. Benilde halted Perpetual Help two-peat bid in the NCAA men’s beach volleyball tournament as it seized the season 89 crown on Saturday here.

John Vic de Guzman and Marjun Alingasa carried the Blazers to a near sweep of the competition, capped by a masterful 21-13, 21-17 clincher win over the reigning titlist.

St. Benilde’s only setback actually came in the hands of JayR Dela Cruz and Rey Taneo of the Altas in the semifinals.

But that only motivated the Blazers even harder, especially in the one-off finale.

“We lost to them so we were even more challenged. We said that next time we faced them, we’ll make sure they can’t win,” de Guzman told reporters after the match.

De Guzman was named the tournament’s most valuable player in only his first year with St. Benilde and first crack at the sand court.

“We’re just so happy. Our effort and hard work paid off,” the 20-year-old spiker added. “We connected on the court and stuck with one goal.”