Former University of Santo Tomas (UST) volleyball stars Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina are set to reunite on the court, this time representing Alas Pilipinas Women's team in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup.
This exciting collaboration follows a year of facing off as rivals in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Laure, a standout for Chery Tiggo, couldn't contain her excitement about playing alongside Rondina once again.
“Syempre, excited ako, kasama ko na 'to (Sisi) ngayon,” Laure said during the national team’s unveiling at the TV5 Media Center. She reflected on their storied past, expressing eagerness for the new journey ahead. “This time, mas marami rin akong nilu-look forward na bago kasi nga syempre for how many years ngayon lang kami ulit nagkasama ni ate Sisi (Rondina) and ni ate Jia (De Guzman).”
Their history is rich with memorable moments, most notably leading the UST Golden Tigresses to the UAAP Season 81 Finals. Despite falling to Ateneo de Manila University in a thrilling three-game series, their efforts were distinguished with Rondina earning the Season MVP and Laure securing Rookie of the Year honors.
UST’s prominence continued with the current squad, featuring super rookie Angge Poyos and captain Bernadett Pepito, reaching the Season 86 finals, although they were swept by National University.
Laure’s return to the national team marks her first since the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila. Rondina, a beach volleyball stalwart, is making her indoor debut for the squad. Laure also shared her excitement about teaming up with La Salle star and UAAP Season 85 MVP Angel Canino.
“Looking forward ako sa mga teammates ko ngayon. Ayun, may mga bagong additions, kasama rin si Angel (Canino), so very excited lang sa mga bagong learnings and experience na makukuha namin as a team.”
However, Laure urged the Philippine volleyball community for patience, noting the limited preparation time they’ve had together.
The AVC Challenge Cup is set to commence on May 22 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and Laure is committed to giving her all to help the national team leave a lasting impression.
“Ayun din talaga, patience lang din kasi ilang araw pa lang kami nagkakasama,” she said, emphasizing the importance of recovery and readiness. “Binigyan nila kami ng oras para mag-recover, para yung katawan talaga namin ay maging handa para sa mga susunod na liga na sasalihan.”
On the other hand, Rondina enters the tournament following a demanding PVL season with Choco Mucho, where they battled in the All-Filipino Conference finals against Creamline.
Despite the tough loss, Rondina is ready to bring the same energy and dedication to the national team.
“Kung sino man yung ilalagay ni coach, magtatrabaho. Kung ipasok ako, syempre tatrabahuhin ko naman. Same effort lang naman kung ano yung ginawa ko sa PVL, same din yung gagawin ko dito para sa AVC.”
