Akeanon Beach Volley Queen Coaching Philippine Navy Spikers

NUMANCIA, Aklan – Behind the success of the group of men spikers is an Akeanon woman.

Cecille Tabuena Cruzada of Barangay Joyao-joyao, Numancia Aklan has served as the official coach of the Philippine Navy’s Fighting Stingray in Manila since 2022.

The Navy Spikers are currently competing for the new season of the Spikers Turf Open Conference, which kicks off at the Paco Arena in Manila on January 21, 2023.

Cruzada, who has a PO2 rank in the Philippine Navy, was considered the beach volleyball queen together with her fellow spiker Michelle Laborte of Negros Occidental. Tabuena, who fought alongside another lady spiker, Glenda Pintolo, won fifth place during the SEAGames in Manila in 2001.

Cruzada’s performance during the 2022 Spikers Turf Open helped the team win 3rd place. The team before Cruzada’s helm won 5th place.

This year, Cruzada and her team hope to get a better record.

Among their competitors in the first and only men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision are Cignal, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Army, VNS Volleyball Club, Santa Rosa City, and newcomers AMC Volleyball, the City of Imus, D’ Navigators Iloilo, and Vanguard Volleyball Team.

The group known as the PGJC Navy is composed of enlisted Navy personnel and reinforced by civilian players.
The PGJCF Navy is also competing against the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions.