DESPITE falling short on their goals, the Philippine women’s and men’s beach volleyball teams still have a remarkable and memorable campaign in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Subic Tennis Courts.
The women’s team of Negrense Bernadeth Pons, Cherry Rondina, Angelique Gervacio, and Dij Rodriguez fulfilled their goal of bringing the country back to the podium for the first time in 14 years.
Meanwhile, it was a breakthrough for Jude Garcia, Jaron Requinton, Edmar Bonono, and James Buytrago as they gave the Philippines’ its first-ever men’s beach volleyball medal.
“This has been such a historic feat for Philippine Beach Volleyball and we dedicate this win to our fellow Pinoy athletes who sacrificed a lot to pursue what they love doing the most,” said team manager Charo Soriano.
He added: “We also dedicate this win to our Philippine Volleyball Community that has continuously given us the strength and support to power through. Maraming salamat, Pilipinas!”
With five victories and producing a gallant effort in losses against powerhouses Thailand and Indonesia in the single-league competition, the Rebisco-backed women’s team matched the 2005 bronze medal finish by Fil-Ams Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua.
There’s no way for the women’s beach volleybelles but to go up, not only in the next SEA Games in Vietnam two years from now but also in future international competitions such as FIVB World Tour 1-star tournaments.
“We are so thankful for our sponsor, unang-una ang Rebisco. Natupad pangarap namin na makapaglaro ng maayos dahil sa kanila,” said Gervacio.
In a tough eight-team men’s field, the Filipinos made it to the semifinals for the first time since 2007 behind Parley Tupaz and Rhovyl Verayo.
After bowing to Thailand in the semis, the Philippines nipped Singapore, 2-1, for the bronze medal, as Garcia and Requinton took charge in the golden match.
Following the Christmas holidays, the Philippine sand court standouts will immediately resume training as they prepare for tough battles in domestic and the FIVB World Tour 1-star tournament this May./PN
