SEAG 2019: Pinays snatch beach volleyball bronze

By HENRY EMPEÑO |

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Finally! The Philippine women’s beach volleyball team emerged at last from the limbo of uncertainty with a routing victory over Singapore on Friday to snatch a bronze, the first medal for the country since 2005.

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons first claimed the must-win game by overpowering Singapore’s Ishan Lao and Serene Ng with a score of 21-17, 21-13 in the last round-robin match here at the Subic Sand Court, followed by a 21-18, 21-16 conquest by Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriquez over Eliza Chong and Gladys Lee.

06dec - 5 - bronze winners
YESSS! Philippine beach volleyball’s quartet Dij Rodriquez, Dzi Gervacio, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons let out a triumphant cry after winning the bronze medal in women’s beach volleyball at the Subic Sand Court on Dec. 6 (Photo by Robin Tuazon)

The Philippine team came out of the shadows after being humiliated by powerhouse Thailand on Tuesday, Dec. 3, with a score of 26-24, 21-15 against Rondina and Pons and 21-16, 21-14 against the pair of Gervacio and Rodriguez.

The Philippine beach volleyball team advanced to the medal round after defeating Vietnam last Sunday, Dec. 1, and Malaysia the following day, Dec. 2.

phils vs singapore2
The Philippines’ Dzi Gervacio tosses the ball back to opponents during a heated match with Dij Rodriquez against Singapore’s Eliza Chong and Gladys Lee on Friday at the Subic Sand Court. (Photo by Jonas Reyes)

 

After Friday’s games where undefeated Thailand also ended Vietnam’s hope for a podium finish at 23-21, 21-17, the Philippines claimed the bronze finish, with the silver going to Indonesia and the gold to undisputed champion Thailand.

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