STA. ROSA, Laguna — International teams took center stage at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge as Lithuania and Australia emerged as champions in the women’s and men’s divisions Sunday night.
Lithuanian Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte delivered a dominant straight-set victory over American pair Alaina Chacon and Madelyn Anderson, 21-12, 21-11, to clinch the women’s crown.
Raupelyte powered the Lithuanian attack with 23 points, including seven blocks that frustrated the Americans throughout the match.
Paulikiene added 10 points and credited their strong chemistry and teamwork for helping them finally win a gold medal after years of competing in Challenger-level tournaments.
The Lithuanian duo previously won silver medals in international events in Mexico and China earlier this year.
In the men’s finals, Australians Thomas Hodges and Ben Hood fought back after dropping the opening set to defeat Swiss tandem Adrian Heidrich and Yves Haussener, 14-21, 21-16, 15-8.
Hodges led all scorers with 23 points while Hood added 11 as the Australians gradually took control of the match.
Tournament organizers from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission hailed the successful staging of the international event in Laguna.
Dutch team Emi Van Driel and Mila Konink captured the women’s bronze medal, while Switzerland’s Julian Friedli and Jonathan Jordan secured third place in the men’s category.
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