PH starts hot in Asian beach volley tilt
Khylem Progella (right) keeps the ball in play while teammate Sofia Pagara looks on. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA—The Philippines got off to a strong start in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open, with the national men’s and women’s teams delivering impressive wins in front of an energized local crowd.
At the heart of the action were Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Invitationals champions Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara, who cruised to a 21-8, 21-18 victory over Malaysia’s Ee Ling Pua and Rachael Go. The pair, clearly more seasoned after competing in last year’s Asian Seniors Beach Volleyball Championships, completed the match in just 28 minutes.
“We may have relaxed a little bit in the second set, but we realized quickly that straight-set wins are crucial in pool play,” said Progella. Pagara added, “We feel a lot more confident this time, although the preparation is shorter.”
Men’s division
In the men’s division, Rancel Varga and James Buytrago thrilled fans with a decisive 21-13, 21-6 win over Uzbekistan’s Mustafoev Golibjon and Nodirjon Alekseev.
University stars Kat Epa and Honey Grace Cordero, making their AVC debut, pushed Japan’s Saki Maruyama and Miki Ishii to three sets before narrowly falling, 21-12, 21-19, 15-9, in a 47-minute duel.
Other Philippine duos had tougher outings. Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino fought valiantly before bowing to Australia’s D’Artagnan Potts and Jack Pearse, 17-21, 18-21. Ronniel Rosales and Alexander Jhon Iraya were overcome by Aussies Paul Burnett and Luke Ryan, 21-13, 21-18.
