Capital1 Solar Spikers stars Pauline Gaston and Roma Mae Doromal cherished their long-awaited reunion on the sand as they made an impressive return together at the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) On Tour Sipalay Open on Saturday. The former Ateneo teammates embraced the opportunity to compete side by side once more, years after helping the Lady Eagles secure a UAAP Season 82 bronze medal finish in 2019.

Their reunion was more than nostalgic, as Gaston and Doromal quickly proved competitive by advancing to Sunday’s quarterfinals after posting a 1-1 record in Pool A. For both players, the tournament marked an exciting new chapter in their post-collegiate volleyball careers.

Strong reunion on sand

Gaston and Doromal opened their campaign with a commanding 21-14, 21-18 victory over Sipalay’s Jastine Amaro and Kimberly Debuyan. Their chemistry, built from years of playing together, was evident as they executed sharp in-game adjustments and displayed strong teamwork.

Although they later fell to BVR founders and fellow Ateneo alumni Bea Tan and Fille Cayetano, 14-21, 19-21, the Capital1 pair remained upbeat about their performance. Doromal emphasized the valuable lessons gained while expressing excitement for future BVR appearances.

Gaston also highlighted Doromal’s leadership, trusting her partner’s experience and strategic calls throughout matches. Their ability to adjust defensive patterns and blocking schemes on the fly showcased a promising partnership that could flourish further on the beach volleyball circuit.

Facing idols fuels motivation

For Doromal, facing Tan and Cayetano carried special significance given their status as role models. Sharing the court with BVR’s pioneering figures added another memorable layer to an already meaningful comeback.

The experience reinforced the duo’s desire to continue growing in the sport while competing against elite-level opponents. Their return demonstrates both players’ willingness to expand their volleyball careers beyond the indoor game.

The BVR Sipalay Open also served as a boost to local tourism, with city officials highlighting the event’s role in attracting both domestic and international visitors. Through continued partnerships with local governments, BVR remains committed to growing beach volleyball while fostering sports development across the Philippines.

For Gaston and Doromal, their successful return was not just about wins and losses. It was about rediscovering their connection, embracing new challenges, and proving they still belong among the country’s rising beach volleyball contenders.