Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga ruled the the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures and defeated fellow Filipinas to reach the top.
The unexpected duo of Cherry Ann "Sisi" Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga ruled in the all-Filipino women's final against Genesa Jane “Jen” Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez, 22-24, 21-12, 15-12, at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures at Subic Bay Sand Court on Sunday.
Only being tapped to compete two weeks before, Gonzaga had to quickly adjust after a full conference in the taraflex court, and once again on the sand to prepare for the World Beach.
Rondina was supposed to play alongside her usual beach volleyball partner Bernadeth Pons, a duo who clinched the bronze medal in the recently- concluded SEA Games, but was ruled out from the competition after sustaining a shoulder injury and would not be able to finish her rehabilitation in time, reported the Philippine News Agency.
Meanwhile, Espolar and Rodriguez had more time training as they have been partners for the longest time. In addition, the pair also trained under the notable Brazilian Joao Luciano Kioday for 10 days before the tournament.
It was a literal battle for the Filipinas on the court as they did not only compete with the other squad but had to fight cramps throughout the match as for Rondina, while Eslapor even had to take a five-minute medical timeout in the second set because her cramping has creeped from her thighs to her abdomen.
According to Sports Inquirer, while on their way to the top, Rondina and Gonzaga had to beat Israel’s Yahli Ashush and Anita Dave, 20-22, 21-8, 17-15, while Eslapor and Rodriguez defeated Japan’s Miyu Sakamoto and Mayu Sawame, 16-21, 28-26, 15-13, in the semifinal round on Sunday morning to set up an all Filipina showdown for the gold medal.
The Japanese pair Sakamoto and Sawame then clinched the bronze medal after beating the Israelis, 21-15, 21-18, to end the tournament.
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