González-Carro and Bello Twins Shine at Beach Pro Tour Challenge Nuvali

The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge Nuvali delivered thrilling action on Saturday as fan favorites Sofía González and María Belén Carro of Spain, along with England’s top-seeded Bello twins, Javier and Joaquin, showcased world-class performances at the Nuvali Sand Courts.

Spain’s Dynamic Duo Survive a Nailbiter

World No. 66 Sofía González and María Belén Carro secured a hard-fought victory against Piper Ferch and Madison Shields of the US in the women’s Round of 12. The Spaniards, fresh from their triumph at the Copa de La Reina Madrid, edged out their American opponents 21-18, 14-21, 20-18.

Team Espana Sofia Gonzalez Racero in action. [PR photo]

González contributed a staggering 24 attack points, while Carro added 11 to their tally, matching the stellar efforts of Shields and Ferch, who had 24 and 11 attack points, respectively.

Next, González and Carro will face Poland’s Malgorzata Ciezkowska and Urszula Lunio (world No. 84), who defeated Hailey Harward and Kylie DeBerg of the US in straight sets, 21-14, 21-15.

Bello Twins Maintain Top Form

England’s top-rated men’s pair, Javier and Joaquin Bello, remained undefeated as they powered past Dutch rising stars Leon Luini and Ruben Penninga, 21-18, 21-19.

Team Espana Maria Carro Marquez de Acuna and Sofia Gonzalez Racero [PR photo]

Javier dominated with 18 of their 26 attack points, while Joaquin contributed four blocks in a stellar defensive display. Despite being the tournament’s No. 1 seed, the Bello twins approached the challenge with humility and focus.

“Being the No. 1 seed adds pressure, but we approach every game the same way—point by point and united,” Joaquin shared.

Other Highlights

Germany’s Sagstetter brothers, Jonas and Benedikt, continued their impressive run by eliminating Brazil’s Vinicius and Heitor (21-13, 21-18) after ousting local favorites James Buytrago and Rancel Varga of the Philippines earlier.

Meanwhile, Ferch and Shields showcased resilience earlier in the day, pulling off a tight victory over Poland’s Aleksandra Wachowicz and Julia Radelczuk, 21-16, 17-21, 15-13.

PNVF at the Helm

The Beach Pro Tour Challenge Nuvali, organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) under Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, continues to elevate the profile of volleyball in the Philippines, hosting elite players from around the world.