IT was worth the wait for National University's Kly Orillaneda to earn her first-ever Beach Volleyball Republic on Tour gold.
With her partner Kathrina Epa, Kly was simply scintillating in Candon City, going 6-0 over the weekend capped by a thrilling 21-17, 17-21, 15-11 victory over Bacolod's Bianca Lizares and Honey Grace Cordero.
Kly, whose previous best finish was in the 2018 December Open when she and Roma Joy Doromal placed second behind Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan, was simply elated with her accomplishment to join the elite list of BVR on Tour winners.
"Tiyaga lang po talaga sa training because eventually lahat ng tinuro ng coaches, magagamit po talaga sa laro. And I choose to improve every day," said Kly.
On their way to the championship, Kly and Kath became Pool C winners via three-match sweep and defeated Ateneo 1's Gena Hora and Yumi Furukawa, 21-17, 21-13, in the quarterfinals and Ateneo 2's Jana Cane and Liz Lomocso, 21-17, 21-13, in the semis.
The Finals was Kly and Kath's biggest test, as they yielded the second set, where Bianca and Grace raced to a 14-7 lead and never looked back.
Bianca and Grace were poised for the victory after getting a 9-6 advantage in the third, but Kly and Kath never gave up en route in securing the championship.
"Grabe yong competitiveness ng Team Bacolod and hats off to them. Noong lumamang na sila, we took a timeout," said Kly.
"Nag-usap kami ni Kath and we plan on what to do. We took a deep breathes to relax and take one point at a time," she added.
Kly simply has all praises for Kath, who also won her first title since she made her BVR on Tour debut in 2019.
"Siguro po sa experiences along the way sa training and other tournaments, we both improve and grow as a partner. And that’s something we are looking forward," said Kly.
Winning another BVR on Tour title is definitely among Kly's goals.
"Ayaw ko po na may e-expect yong mga tao sa akin baka mas lalo po silang ma-disappoint, pero in every game and tournaments, I’ll always do my best," said Kly.
