Sisi Rondina couldn’t hide her excitement as she watched the reserves of Alas Pilipinas rise to the occasion in their commanding semifinal-clinching victory over Iran in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup last Sunday.
Opting to rest key starters, the coaching staff saw remarkable performances from Vanie Gandler, Cherry Nunag, Jennifer Nierva, and Faith Nisperos. These players stepped up, leading the team to a decisive 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 win at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
"Alam niyo, na-amaze ako sa mga teammates namin ngayon kasi ang bilis mag-adjust and parang pare-pareho lang kami talaga ng role, kung ano yung kailangan gawin, pinupunan," said Rondina, the Choco Mucho star who contributed 12 points in the victory.
Rondina praised the leadership of Jia De Guzman, highlighting how her guidance made the game easier for everyone.
"Ang bilis na rin maka-adjust. Lalong lalo na led by Ate Jia (De Guzman) kaya ayun, thankful ako sa kanila kasi sobrang napapadali yung trabaho namin," she added.
In a strategic move, Eya Laure and Thea Gagate, who had been instrumental in previous wins against Australia and India, were rested for the match against Iran.
Gandler and Nunag filled their shoes admirably. Gandler, a standout from Cignal, finished with nine points, while Nunag added four markers in this historic triumph.
This victory secured the Nationals their first-ever semifinal appearance in any continental tournament.
Jennifer Nierva, stepping in for Dawn Catindig, made her mark with an impressive defensive performance.
Faith Nisperos, who had not played in the first two games, came in late and delivered the final two points, sealing the victory for the Philippines.
"Kahit sino naman ipasok, alam naman namin na magco-contribute talaga. Ako masaya ako sa naging performance namin for the past three games na nangyari, nalaro namin," said Rondina, a former PVL MVP.
She reflected on the team's quick adaptation despite a brief preparation period of just one week.
"Sobrang nakikita talaga na kahit one week preparation, apat na araw lang ata talaga yun, pero eto kami, nilalaro namin yung volleyball na dala dala namin yung bansa natin," she said, emphasizing the inspiration drawn from representing the country.
"Siguro yun din talaga yung inspirasyon namin, kasi iba na to eh, may Philippines na nakalagay so dun kami humuhugot ng lakas."
