By Adrian Stewart Co

Team Negros, comprised of Bernadeth Pons and Dij Rodriguez, won the inaugural Mayor Raymund I. Tongson, Jr. Beach Volleyball Women’s Open, which took place at the Batang Peninsula Beach Resort on New Year’s Day in Himamaylan City. The pair captured the win after defeating Gelimae Villanueva and Kyla Gallego of Talisay City in the finals.
The winners received P10,000 in prize money.
During last year’s Southeast Asian Games, which were hosted by the Philippines, Pons and Cherry Rondina, alongside Angelique Gervacio and Rodriguez, secured a bronze medal in beach volleyball after defeating Singapore.
Meanwhile, third place went to Jackie Estoquia and DM Demontano of the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors after defeating University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos pair Jennifer Cosas and Erjane Magdato.
The tournament was an official event of the city’s Bunlaw Festival./ASC, WDJ