By Kristel Satumbaga
The Philippine women’s beach volleyball teams yielded to their more experienced Indonesian foes on Friday night at the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Subic sandcourt.
Cherry Rondina, left, sets the ball as teammate Bernadeth Pons looks on. The beach volleyball national team duo yielded to Indonesia’s Dhita Juluiana and Putu Dini Jasita Utami (MB file photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
The pair of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons was first to succumb to 2018 Asian Games bronze medalists Dhita Juliana and Putu Dini Jasita Utami 21-18, 16-21, 15-13, before Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez bowed to Allysah Mutakharah and Desi Ratsanari 21-14, 21-16.
It was a gallant stand for Rondina and Pons particularly in the deciding frame, but the duo fell short in the crunch after Juliana and Utami scored three straight points to seal the victory.
“Alam namin na kaya namin kaso nagkaroon kami ng lapses,” said Pons.
The country has been counting on the duo after successful local and international stints, including the 2019 Rebisco Beach Volleyball International Open recently.
Rondina added they will back. “Hindi kami bibitaw. Yun ang pinakaimportante sa lahat eh.”
Gervacio and Rodriguez, meanwhile, admitted they are still adjusting to their partnership.
“This is the first real tournament that we partnered. Wala pa masyado yung chemistry and intensity pero ngayong na-experience na namin, next game alam na namin,” Gervacio said.
Up next for Gervacio and Rodriguez will be Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngoc Lan Vu and Nguyen Tuong Vy Le Thi, while Rondina and Pons next battle Nguyen Tram Thi Thanh and Truong My Huyen Duong Thi also of Vietnam on Sunday.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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