Sofia Pagara and Khylem Progella’s strong start in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open came to a frustrating halt on Thursday, April 3, after a controversial officiating decision shifted the momentum in their match against China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue. The Alas Pilipinas duo fell in straight sets, 14-21, 15-21, at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Coming off a dominant opening match win, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Invitational champions appeared poised to claim a set against the towering Chinese duo when they held a 12-9 lead in the second frame. However, a disputed ball touch call went against the Filipinas on a shot that clearly sailed long, triggering disbelief from the home crowd.

Momentum Shift and Tough Finish

The controversial call rattled Pagara and Progella, leading to a string of errors that allowed Yu and Jiang to score eight consecutive points. Unable to recover, the young Filipino pair saw their opportunity slip away as the Chinese secured their second pool play victory.

“It’s about momentum in beach volleyball, and it was quite disheartening right when we were getting our groove back. Our run was cut short just because of that very wrong call,” said 19-year-old Progella.

Despite the setback, the University of Santo Tomas duo, who opened the tournament with a 21-8, 21-18 win over Malaysia’s Ee Ling Pua and Rachael Go, remain determined to move forward.

“We don’t even want to know right now who we are facing next. For now, we rest,” said 20-year-old Pagara as the pair prepares for their Round of 16 match.

Men’s Team Faces Early Struggles

The Philippines’ men’s teams also encountered difficulties in pool play. Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino were unable to match Thailand’s Surin Jongklang and Kittituch Khomkham, falling 14-21, 12-21, and dropping to 0-2 in the tournament.

Ronniel Rosales and Alex Iraya fought valiantly against Indonesia’s Yosi Firnanda and Danangsyah Pribadi, pushing the second set to the brink before eventually bowing out, 16-21, 20-22.

International Standouts in Action

The competition saw several high-level performances from top contenders across Asia and Oceania. Iran’s Ghalehnovi Amirali and Salemiinjehboroun Bahman cruised past China’s Mao Yuan and Lui Yuan, 21-18, 21-7, while Japan’s Kai Kurokawa and Ryuichi Adachi overpowered Hong Kong’s Lee Cheukhei and Lee Liftung, 21-14, 21-13.

Australia’s Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt edged out Song Jinyang and Zhang Tai in a three-set thriller, 19-21, 21-13, 16-14. Meanwhile, Japan’s Dylan Kurokawa and Yoshiumi Hasegawa dominated Uzbekistan’s Dilshodbek Tolibaev and Azamat Daulbaev, 21-8, 21-8.

New Zealand’s John McManaway and James Sadlier put on a solid performance against Hong Kong’s Kan Szehang and Wong Chun, winning 21-17, 21-10, while Japan’s Nassim Malki and Kosuke Fukushima cruised past Uzbekistan’s Mustafoev Golibjon and Nodirjon Alekseev, 21-8, 21-6.

With the knockout rounds fast approaching, Pagara and Progella will look to rebound from their controversial loss as they continue their bid for a deep run in the AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open.