Sisi Rondina, the fearless force of Choco Mucho, strode into Game 2 with the weight of the season on her shoulders.
The stakes were clear – win or face elimination in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Entering Philsports Arena on that crucial Saturday, Rondina embraced the battle ahead.
Her determination paid off as the Flying Titans, eager to reclaim their dominance after a Game 1 setback, responded with a resounding 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 victory against Cignal, forcing a decisive Game 3.
"I kept telling myself, repeatedly, that this is like a war. I always have the mindset that we will win. We're focused on winning," declared the 5-foot-6 dynamo after the game. Rondina, also the emotional leader of Choco Mucho, emphasized the need for everyone to share the same winning mentality.
Facing a must-win situation, Rondina elevated her performance. In the previous five-set loss to the HD Spikers, she was limited to 19 points on a disappointing 26.8% spiking efficiency.
However, in the do-or-die Game 2, the proud daughter of Cebu unleashed 23 points, showcasing her resilience and efficiency by converting 40.8% of her spike attempts.
"Our exhaustion needs to translate into success because, honestly, it's getting really tiring. Training is exhausting, and we all want to rest, but we can't. We just have to make all our efforts count," shared Rondina, a legendary figure from the University of Santo Tomas.
After the Game 1 setback, Rondina rallied her teammates, reminding them that the semifinals were a best-of-three series. Following the crucial win in Game 2, she echoed the same sentiment – the job isn't finished yet.
As they gear up for Game 3 on Tuesday at the Pasig venue, Rondina emphasized their trust in Coach Dante Alinsunurin's plans. She stressed the importance of commitment within the team, emphasizing that the upcoming showdown requires their collective effort and determination.
"This is a good preparation and boosts our confidence for Game 3. We are ready to give it our all," declared Rondina, who returned to indoor volleyball last conference after focusing on beach volleyball for four years.
