DANIKA Gendrauli and Norie Jane Diaz fought back from a set down to beat Patty Jane Orendain and Fiolla Ceballos, 19-21, 21-14, 15-11, on Saturday to rule the first Philippine Super Liga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup at the Sands by the Bay.
Playing despite a 38-degree fever, Gendrauli fought on to help Diaz carry Giligan’s over the fancied Foton Tornadoes pair of Orendain and Ceballos.
"May lagnat po ako tatlong araw na, ngayon po may lagnat pa ako, 38.4, pero hindi ko na lang inisip," said Gendrauli.
"Hindi na po ako nagpahinga kasi committed po ako," added the former Southwestern University standout.
Diaz, 22, was simply elated to play with Gendrauli, who has several Visayan beach volley titles under her belt.
"Wala akong masabi sobra niyang galing na partner," said Diaz. "Ang galing niya mag handle ng kasama."
Gendrauli and Diaz dedicated their win to manager Filbert Alquiros, whose father Guillermo passed away this morning.