LIANGA, Surigao del Sur – Petron’s Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons withstood a gallant second set stand by Perlas’ Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez and hacked out a 21-13, 21-19 win to rule the women’s division of the Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour Gran Ola, Lianga leg Sunday here.
American David McKienzie capped a successful return from a one-year hiatus, joining forces with Malaysian Raja Riazmi to turn back Tigers KR Guzman and Krung Arbasto, 21-12, 21-19, to capture the men’s title.
“It was always fun to play,” said McKienzie, a 2012 London Olympian who was more than glad to share his talents to Filipino sand court players.
Proving themselves as the country’s best in the sand court, Rondina was at her usual best in her attacks and defense, while Pons produced several smart plays to the delight of the crowd.
Rondina’s brilliance did not escape McKienzie’s eyes.
“She is strong,” said McKienzie on the Compostela, Cebu native.
Rondina and Pons swept all of the six matches, but they were tested by Gervacio and Rodriguez in the biggest stage played under rainy conditions that pushed both pairs’ abilities to the limit.
Tied at 7-7 in the second frame, Rondina and Pons pulled away and moved closer to championship point, 20-15.
Gervacio and Rodriguez saved four match points to cut the deficit to one, but Rondina and Pons dodged the bullet after Rodriguez’s hit went outside.
Rondina and Pons made quick work of University of Santo Tomas 2’s Derie Virtusio and Mer Jauculan, 21-8, 21-7, to clinch a spot in the Finals opposite Gervacio and Rodriguez, who withstood a gallant stand from UST 1’s Barbon and Gen Eslapor, 21-18, 19-21, 15-12.
McKienzie and Riazmi beat downed Davao’s Calvin Sarte and Edmar Flores, 21-18, 21-13, to force a men’s finals duel with Guzman and Arbasto, a 22-20, 21-12 winner over Far Eastern University 1’s Jude Garcia and Doy Barrica in the other semifinal.
