Gonzaga, Bautista carry RC Cola Army A to PSL beach volleyball crown

MANILA, Philippines – RC Cola Army A’s power duo of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Nene Bautista escaped Foton’s Cherry Rondina and Patty Orendain, 21-18, 18-21, 15-13, to bag the Philippine Super Liga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup title, Sunday afternoon, May 29, at the MOA SANDS by the Bay. 

RC Cola owned the first canto but the also undefeated Rondina and Orendain forced the game into a thrilling third set. However, Gonzaga and Bautista fought back and eventually reclaimed charge to take home the title. 

“Inisip namin na kapit lang and good thing na nag timeout kami nung nag 10-all,” said Gonzaga. 

(We just held on. It was a good thing that we called for a timeout during a 10-all deadlock.)

Foton gained control early in the deciding set with the sharp kills courtesy of UST ace spiker Rondina, and grew the lead to 10-7. 

But from a 3-point deficit, RC Cola capitalized on their blocks and attacks until Gonzaga tied the game to 10-10.

“Ang game plan namin ni Nene ay gawing target si Patty since alam naming na mataas ang percentage ng kills ni Rondina,” added Gonzaga.

(Our game plan is to target on Patty since we know that Rondina has a high percentage in kills.)

RC Cola completely regained the lead after Gonzaga broke the 13-all deadlock, and cruised to claiming the championship.

The Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference MVP landed on her knees and was in tears after her game-winning point. 

On the other hand, FEU Petron’s Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza swept Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Bang Pineda of Petron XCS, 21-12, 21-13, to land on the third place.

Philippine Navy A reigned as the men’s division champion after defeating TVM in 3 sets a while ago, 21-13, 11-21, 18-16. FEU-A finished in third. – Rappler.com