Beach party for Alas women

BANGKOK – Who would have thought the Philippines could find gold in the sands of Pattaya?

The Alas women certainly did, keeping the faith despite the seemingly impossible task of taking down mighty Thailand in the women’s beach volleyball finals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

“Minanifest ko talaga itong gold namin. Ilang beses ko rin na-imagine ‘yung moment na ganito,” said Bernadeth Pons after she and Sisi Rondina, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez made history by rising as the SEAG’s new queens of the sandcourt, dethroning the eight-time winner Thais in front of their stunned home supporters.

“Minsan naluluha na lang ako bigla kasi na-imagine ko ‘yung moment na ito. So totoo pala talaga ‘yung manifestation pero syempre may kasamang hard work. Sobrang happy ko talaga na nakuha namin ‘yung gold. Alam namin na hindi madali. ilang beses na defending champion ‘yung Thailand,” she added.

Despite their underdog billing and greenness as a first-time finalist, the Alas belles punched above their weight and outclassed the Thais, 2-0.

“SiPons,” carrying the Philippines Team 1 banner, beat Thailand 1’s Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee, 21-17, 21-15 to put Team 2 in position for a sweep in the best-of-three contest.

Villapando and Rodriguez then made the most of their opportunity and finished off Thailand 2’s Tanarattha Udomchavee and Rumpaipruet Numvong, 21-13, 17-21, 15-6.

Rodriguez said she found inspiration in the faith of the now-retired Filipinas custodian Inna Palacios, who tirelessly waited for the elusive women’s football gold that finally came after 18 years.

“Tumatak talaga sa akin ‘yung sinabi ng goalkeeper ng football – 18 years. Kung walang-wala na talaga, magtiwala ka lang sa Kanya,” she said.