Jomtien beach: Alas Pilipinas Women etched their names in the annals of sports history by dethroning Thailand, the long-standing champions, at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games women's beach volleyball finals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines' dynamic duos, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons of Alas 1, alongside Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez of Alas 2, delivered a spectacular performance, clinching victory with a decisive 2-0 sweep. The first pair, Rondina and Pons, outplayed Thailand's Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee and Taravadee Naraphornrapat, securing the win with scores of 21-17, 21-15.

The Philippine delegation's cheers echoed throughout the sandcourt as Villapando and Rodriguez sealed the deal against Tanarattha Udomchavee and Rumpaipruet Numvong in a thrilling three-set match, finishing 21-13, 17-21, 15-6. This monumental victory marked the first time the Philippines claimed gold in this event, surpassing their previous best of bronze.

Expressing her elation, Rondina, who was participating for the fifth time, shared, "Grabe, sobrang saya, lalong-lalo na sa amin ni Pons na pang-lima na namin ito and nakapag-gold din kami sa international."

The success is attributed to the team's unwavering consistency and the trust from their coaches and management. Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Kioday extended his gratitude to Ramon 'Tats' Suzara for his pivotal role in elevating Philippine beach volleyball, saying, "Let's celebrate, the gold is going back to Philippines!"

Reuniting after a medal-less stint in the 2023 edition, Rondina and Pons were determined to make a comeback, driven by their previous disappointment. "Uun ang hugot namin, wala kaming medal nung last SEA Games, sobrang disappointed kami. Sabi namin babawi kami," Pons remarked, highlighting their resolve to succeed in this competition.