By el Amigo
MANILA — Sofiah Shanine Pagara and Khylem Harl Progella remained unbeaten in the women’s beach volleyball competition at the 2026 Asian Games after dispatching Hong Kong, 26-24, 21-18, Monday at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court.
The University of Santo Tomas pair overcame a tense opening set that went beyond the regulation 21 points before finally pulling away, 26-24.
Pagara and Progella settled down in the second set, maintaining their composure as they secured a 21-18 victory to complete the straight-set triumph and book their place in the quarterfinals.
The victory capped a perfect run in Pool G for the young Filipinas, who swept all three of their preliminary-round matches against Maldives, Mongolia and Hong Kong.
Their impressive showing has kept the Philippine pair in contention for a semifinal berth as they advance to the final eight of the tournament.
Pagara and Progella will now await their quarterfinal opponents, with another victory putting them within reach of the medal rounds.
Meanwhile, fellow Philippine bets Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons were also set to see action in the Round of 16 against host Japan as the Filipinas continued their campaign in the women’s beach volleyball event.
The Philippines is seeking a strong finish in the competition as its beach volleyball teams battle through the knockout stages in Japan.
ia/xf
