SANTA ROSA CITY, LAGUNA — In a notable match at the Smart Asia Volleyball Confederation Beach Tour Nuvali Open, Australians Tara Philips and Elizabeth Alchin achieved a two-set victory against Filipinos Jen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda on Saturday. The match, which took place at the Nuvali Sand Courts, ended with scores of 21-16 and 21-15 in favor of the Australian team, propelling them past the round of 16.
According to Philippines News Agency, Eslapor and Orillaneda, both serving in the Air Force, had only a limited period for preparation yet showcased commendable performance. Eslapor expressed satisfaction with their performance, highlighting the progress in their partnership and skills. Orillaneda, who had joined Eslapor for training less than a month prior, reflected on her performance with a mix of pleasure and a determination to improve for future competitions. The duo plans to participate in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour-Futures, which starts on April 11, also at Nuvali.
The tournament also saw other Filipino pairs, Ran Abdilla and AJ Pareja, along with James Buytrago and Rancel Varga, unable to advance to the men’s quarterfinals. Abdilla and Pareja faced a defeat against Iran’s team, while Buytrago and Varga were bested by an Indonesian duo.
The competition further reported advancements in both men’s and women’s divisions, with teams from Thailand, Japan, Australia, Iran, and Indonesia moving forward, showcasing the international talent present at the Nuvali Open. Notable victories included Thailand’s and Australia’s teams overcoming their respective opponents, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the beach volleyball tour.