All set for PSL beach volley tourney

The Philippine Superliga (PSL) is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that its 2021 Gatorade-Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup will be a massive success.

PSL chair Philip Ella Juico yesterday said everything is now in order and they are ready to unwrap their tourney that would emerge as the first-ever volleyball event in this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of eight teams, including guest team Kennedy Solar Energy-PetroGazz, would be seeing action in this battle that kicks off on Friday at the Subic Bay sand courts.

“Everything is now in order. There are certain things that need to be ironed out, but the event will push through and the teams will be there no later than 24 February,” Juico, a former sports commissioner, said.

“What we are now preparing for is the security detail of the PNP (Philippine National Police) that will be stationed there all the time that events are going on.”

Everything is now in order.

Aside from Kennedy Solar Energy-PetroGazz, also seeing action are F2 Logistics, Sta. Lucia 1, Sta. Lucia 2, Abanse Negrense 1, Abanse Negrense 2, United Auctioneers, Toby’s Sports.

Sta. Lucia 2, in fact, is coming in as the team to beat as it parades seasoned beach volley campaigners Bang Pineda and Jonah Sabete.

Juico said the outstanding players in this tourney should be given serious consideration for the national beach volleyball team.

“All of these people are aspirants to any Asian Tour or to any national team. They should be candidates,” said Juico during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

“The fact that they’re here and exposed, people can see them and assess their capabilities and their level of preparation.”

“They should be candidates for any of these major international or major local events.”