By ADRIAN STEWART CO

National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the sand, ruling both the men’s and women’s divisions of the University Games (Unigames) beach volleyball tournament held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

In the women’s division, the tandem of Kizil Doren Quijote and Honey Grace Cordero made quick work of University of Mindanao, scoring a dominant 21-16, 21-5 victory in the championship match to secure the crown for the Lady Bulldogs.

The men’s duo of Alexander Jhon Iraya and Rain Skyler Gemarino enjoyed an even easier path to the title, winning by default with a 21-0, 21-0 scoreline after a player from De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury.

Earlier, the Benilde pair edged Adamson University, 21-19, 27-25, in the semifinals to earn their spot in the finals, while NU dispatched University of St. La Salle (USLS), 21-17, 21-14, in their own semifinal encounter.

Adamson later bagged the bronze medal after outlasting USLS in three sets, 21-17, 20-22, 15-7.

In the women’s bronze medal match, De La Salle University claimed third place with a 21-16, 21-18 win over VMA Global College.

The tournament was organized by the Unigames under the leadership of coach Roger Banzuella, in partnership with the Negros Occidental provincial government.

The annual event aims to strengthen grassroots sports development, promote tourism in Negros Occidental, and provide a competitive platform for student-athletes to showcase their skills — especially in beach volleyball, one of the region’s fast-rising disciplines./ASC, WDJ