SISI Rondina and Bernadeth Pons are raring to face Olympians in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge at the Nuvali Sands Courts in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Rondina and Pons, who made history for the country after leading Alas Pilipinas to a historic gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last December, are eager to gain points and experience in the prestigious tournament — the second-highest level of competition on the tour supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The seasoned tandem of Pons and Rondina opens their main draw campaign on Thursday against an opponent yet to be determined.
“Actually, it’s really exciting. Personally, I’m excited about the challenge because there are so many Olympians here. You already know that Pons and I are the type of players who always grab opportunities whenever they come. That’s why we’re really preparing and mentally ready because we know this will be a very tough competition,” said Rondina.
“What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here. We’ll need to give double or even triple the effort because the level of players here is completely different. Our goal is to keep up with them and deliver consistent performances.”
Top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen eye their second Beach Pro Tour medal in the fifth Challenge stop of the competition bankrolled by Rebisco, Akari, Ayala Land, and PLDT.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy and Jana Milutinovic and partner Stefanie Fejes from Australia, are also competing in the first Pro Tour.
Paris 2024 Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania, American winners Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig, French Olympians Lezana Placette and Alexia Richard, and defending Nuvali Challenge champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti of Finland are also competing.
“Honestly, it’s both exciting and pressuring. Even if it’s a home court advantage, it’s still different when you know the players you’re facing are more experienced or at a higher level. But aside from the pressure, I’m happy because this is happening here in the Philippines,” said Rondina. TMT