Experience awaits as Rondina-Pons battles world-class field

Philippines’ Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons in action during the SEA Games 2025 beach volleyball tournament. – SAVA PHOTO

SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons look to gain points and experience when they battle Olympians in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge at Nuvali Sands Courts.

Having led Alas Pilipinas to a historic gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last December, the Filipino tandem is at the second-highest level of competition on the Tour and would love to feel the challenge of playing against world-class opposition beginning on Thursday against an opponent yet to be determined.

“I’m really proud because continuous participation in beach volleyball is very important,” Rondina told reporters in Filipino. “You don’t just earn points, you also gain experience.”

Among the top teams competing are top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen, Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy and new partner Stefanie Fejes from Australia, Paris Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte, as well as defending champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti.

“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,” Rondina went on. “That’s why we’re really preparing because we know this will be a very tough competition.

“What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here,” she said. “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.”

Rondina is elated with the future of the local beach volleyball program, with fellow University of Santo Tomas beach volleyball stars Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella advancing to the final round of the qualifiers after outlasting Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz, 21-19, 28-26.