By Jean Malanum
MANILA — Lithuanian Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte defeated Americans Alaina Chacon and Madelyn Anderson, 21-12, 21-11, to capture the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge women’s crown Sunday night in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The 6-foot-6 Raupelyte finished with 23 points, the last one sealing the pair’s first championship.
“Like always, just to do the best as I can and be aggressive on the block,” said Raupelyte, who delivered 16 kills and seven blocks.
The 25-year-old Paulikiene chipped in 10 points off eight spikes and two aces.
“She makes my job easier by putting the ball by one touch. I think that we made it because we had a great atmosphere. We’re supporting each other,” said Paulikiene.
The Lithuanians won silver medals at the Tlaxcala Challenge in Mexico last March and the Xiamen Challenge in China earlier this month.
“It’s amazing after playing three years in the Challenger events. It’s our first gold. So we’re really proud of each other. This is history for Lithuanians, the first time for Lithuanians to take a gold medal,” said Raupelyte.
“I hope we want to make everyone play volleyball. To want the sport, because it’s amazing,” she added.
Anderson had 11 points while Chacon had eight as the Americans lost to the Lithuanians for the second time in three meetings.
Meanwhile, Australians Thomas Hodges and Ben Hood outlasted Swiss tandem Adrian Heidrich and Yves Haussener, 14-21, 21-16, 15-8, to secure the men’s title in the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
After taking the second set, the Australians kept their momentum to claim the victory.
“We just had to stick together. We had a few moments where, I mean, this morning we lost a set, but we managed to maintain a good head. First set here, they came out and played really, really well. And all full credit to the team to stay composed and to continue to go back to what we do,” said Hodges, who finished with 23 points.
“Awesome. It’s just been really fun, and I’ve really enjoyed just the battles we’ve had,” added Hood, who contributed 11 points.
Dutch pair Emi Van Driel and Mila Konink beat Ukrainian pair Valentyna Davidova and Anhelina Khmil, 22-20, 21-18, to pocket the women’s bronze medal in the tournament also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Rebisco, Akari, Ayala Land, and PLDT.
Swiss pair Julian Friedli and Jonathan Jordan prevailed over Germans Philip Huster and Sven Winter, 18-21, 21-13, 15-13, to clinch the bronze medal in the men’s division. (PNA)
