In the wake of Choco Mucho's hard-fought campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Sisi Rondina, the resilient dynamo from Compostela, Cebu, is set to embark on a new journey representing the Philippines in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women.
After the Flying Titans’ heart-wrenching loss to Creamline in the All-Filipino Conference Finals, Rondina confirmed her immediate commitment to the national cause.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Rondina sees her upcoming international duty as both an honor and an opportunity to further elevate her game.
“AVC (ang next). Syempre ‘di naman pwedeng tanggihan ‘yon, pero ‘yun nga, Pilipinas na rin ang dadalhin so sulitin na rin,” expressed Rondina, whose dedication to national duty mirrors that of her compatriot, Jia De Guzman.
Rondina, renowned for her prowess in beach volleyball with two Southeast Asian Games bronze medals to her name, will now transition to the indoor variant for the national team, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The AVC Challenge Cup, slated from May 22 to May 29 at Manila's historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, presents a tight window for preparation, with just nine days remaining. Despite the time constraints, Rondina remains optimistic about the team's prospects, emphasizing the need for swift cohesion.
“Paghahandaan namin. Sana magka-chemistry agad kami, sana magka-chemistry agad kami nung mga kasama ko,” remarked Rondina, underlining the importance of synergy in the short preparation period.
Fresh off a valiant performance leading Choco Mucho to their second consecutive finals appearance, Rondina's indomitable spirit continues to inspire.
Despite falling short against Creamline in a thrilling five-set encounter, her individual brilliance shone brightly, amassing an impressive 31 points with a blend of lethal attacks, crucial blocks, and stellar defensive play.
As Rondina prepares to don the national colors, her journey epitomizes the resilience and unwavering commitment of Filipino athletes on the international stage.
With her infectious energy and never-say-die attitude, Rondina stands poised to make her mark, not just for herself, but for the pride of a nation rooting fervently behind her.
