Petron claims third title

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Bernadeth Pons proved that she’s still the queen of the sand when she powered Petron XCS to its third straight title in the Philippine Superliga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup late Saturday at Capitol Beach Front here.

Playing without regular partner Sisi Rondina, Pons teamed up with Dij Rodriguez this time in dominating Jackie Estoquia and Dhannylaine Demontano of Sta. Lucia Santorini, 21-10, 21-14, in the finals to clinch the gold medal.

The high-flying Rondina failed to make it after playing her final game with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament best-of-three finals also on Saturday.

Still, Pons took care of business, leading the Blaze Spikers to a strong start and an even stronger finish to dominate the Lady Realtors en route to claiming a grand slam.

“Sisi told me to defend the title,” said Pons, the former Far Eastern University star who will be reunited with Rondina in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour in Boracay later this month.