The Philippine women's beach volleyball team came up short against Indonesia in their 30th Southeast Asian Games opener. (Photo: Aubrey Lavern Reyes)

The Philippine women’s team fell short in its debut against Indonesia, 0-2, in the 30th Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball competition at the converted Subic Tennis Court Friday.

Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez failed to save the host team from a shutout defeat after a sorry 14-21, 16-21, loss to the Indonesian tandem of Allysah Mutakharah and Desi Ratsanari in the second match of the tie.   

“Naga-adjust pa kami. This is the first real tournament that we partnered,”said Gervacio. “Wala pa masyado ‘yung chemistry at intensity pero ngayong na-experience na namin, next game alam na namin.”

“It’s good that this happened right now, so we know what to adjust to in the next games.” ~ Dzi Gervacio & Dij Rodriguez reaction after that loss vs. Indonesia. #SEAGames2019 @abscbnnews @ANCALERTS @abscbnsports @phbeachvolley pic.twitter.com/9EcpfRqxBy

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 29, 2019

The Nationals started off on a sour note after the pair of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons suffered a stinging 18-21, 21-16, 13-15, defeat at the hands of Dhita Juliana and Putu Dini Jasita Utami.

“Gigil kami manalo kasi kanina rematch na yun eh, nung 2017 naglaban na kami dikit lang din.” @Rondina011 & @bernadeth_pons say that the duo of Utami-Juliana were the ones who defeated them in the quarterfinals of the 2017 SEA Games. pic.twitter.com/hr4siucuZ7

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 29, 2019

The Filipinas actually took a 13-12 lead in the third set but was denied by the Indonesians as they scored three straight points to escape with the first victory of the tie. 

Gervacio and Rodriguez tried to force a decider to no avail.

Coach Paul Jan Doloiras on the losses of the 2 women’s teams today: “It’s about experience na yung nangyari, kumbaga breaks of the game.”

He also thanks the fans for coming out to support Team Philippines ???????? @ANCALERTS @ABSCBNNews @abscbnsports @phbeachvolley pic.twitter.com/ITD1yB00tT

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 29, 2019

The Philippines will take on Vietnam on Sunday.

 

 

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