The Philippine Women’s National Beach Volleyball Team did not have the dream start they wanted in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Friday at the Subic Tennis Court.
Cherry Rondina and Bernadeth Pons dropped a heartbreaker to Indonesia’s Dhita Juliana and Putu Dini Jasita Utami, 18-21, 21-16, 13-15. Meanwhile, Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez were overwhelmed by Allysah Mutakharah and Desi Ratsanari, 14-21, 16-21.
“Alam namin na kaya namin, kaso nagkaroon kami [ng] lapses,” admitted Pons.
During the deciding set, Rondina and Pons scored on back-to-back kills to give the Philippines a 13-12 lead. However, Juliana took charge, powering a 3-0 Indonesia rally to gain the advantage.
Gervacio and Rodriguez could not force a do-or-die.
“‘Di naman mahirapan kalaban ‘yung Indonesia. Medyo nawala lang kami sa game plan namin,” said Rodriguez.
“Nag-aadjust pa kami. This is the first real tournament that we partnered,” admitted Gervacio.
“Wala pa masyado yung chemistry at intensity, pero ngayong na-experience na namin, next game alam na namin.”
The Philippines looks to bounce back when it faces Vietnam on Sunday, December 1 at 2:00 pm.
“Hindi kami bibitaw. Yun pinaka-importante sa lahat eh,” Rondina vowed.
