Rondina, Pons battle back to capture PNVF Beach Volleyball Invitational crown

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Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons delivered another gritty comeback on Sunday, Nov. 17, as they overturned a slow start to claim the women’s championship of the PNVF Beach Volleyball Invitational in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The pair regrouped after a lopsided opening frame and surged in the next two sets to defeat fellow Alas standouts Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez.

The victory extended their unbeaten streak in domestic play and marked their second straight title following their win in the PNVF National Open last May. Rondina and Pons controlled Pool A, swept their quarterfinal assignment against UST’s Cameron Villaruz and Lorien Gamboa, and outworked Alexa Polidario and Jenny Gaviola in the semifinal.

Champions Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons headline the women's podium finishers. [BVR photo] — Champions Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons headline the women’s podium finishers. [BVR photo]

Abdilla, Buytrago dominate men’s field

In the men’s division, Ranran Abdilla and James Buytrago completed a flawless run to the championship. The national team mainstays overpowered Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga in straight sets, maintaining their clean sheet through all stages of the tournament. Their path included commanding wins over UST’s Smaela Salon and Alijhan Apdian in the quarterfinal and Aldwin Gupiteo and Lance Malinao in the semifinal.

Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor secured third place on the women’s side after beating Polidario and Gaviola in their medal match. Gupiteo and Malinao also reached the podium by edging Tolentino and Francisco in a tight three-set duel on the men’s end. Both results highlighted the depth of the program heading into international duty.

Tournament sharpens Alas squad for SEA Games

The two-day meet served as a final test event for the beach volleyball contingent bound for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month. Rondina and Pons, along with Villapando and Rodriguez, will carry the colors for the women’s team. Buytrago and Abdilla, together with Rosales and Varga, make up the men’s roster slated to compete from Dec. 12 to 19 at the Huamark Sports Complex in Bangkok.

The Philippines owns six bronze medals—three from each division—since beach volleyball became part of the SEA Games program in 2003. The delegation aims to improve on that tally with a strengthened lineup and renewed preparation.