Alas pair Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons takes AVC beach silver

Alas Pilipinas’ Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons in action in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open. –AVC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball pair Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons settled for silver in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open after falling to Australia’s Olympian duo of Taliqua Clancy and Stefie Fejes in the final on Sunday in Chinese Taipei.

Pons and Rondina played their hearts out in the first set but were dominated in the second as they yielded to the Australians, 19-21, 12-21.

The tandem known as “SiPons” still earned their best finish in an AVC tournament as part of their preparation for the Asian Games in Japan in September.

Rondina and Pons reached the final with a 21-17, 26-24 win over Thailand’s Kongphopsarutawadee Worapeerachayakorn and Taravadee Naraphornrapat on Saturday.

The Alas pair asserted their mastery over the Thai duo, replicating their victory in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games final, where they captured a historic gold medal.

Earlier, they took down Jasmine Fleming and Elizabeth Achin of Australia, 21-18, 33-31, in the quarterfinal.

Rondina and Pons are currently on a break from the PVL as they focus on their buildup for the Asian Games. They also competed in the main draw of the Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge several weeks ago.