Sisi Rondina's unwavering commitment to improvement propelled Choco Mucho to their fifth consecutive victory in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference. The team clinched a dominant win over Akari, with Rondina delivering an outstanding performance on both ends of the court.
Rondina's turning point occurred after Choco Mucho faced an initial setback against defending champions Creamline, where she openly acknowledged her struggles in the receiving department. Undeterred by the challenge, the 5-foot-6 dynamo took matters into her own hands, intensifying her focus on defense to counter the obstacles posed by the Cool Smashers.
"In the first game against Creamline, I admit that I was the first one to struggle, especially in receiving. I don't care about my points; I immediately check the stat sheet after entering the media room. I always look at digs and receptions because I intentionally overload on them every day," shared Rondina, underscoring her commitment to personal growth.
Her efforts paid off handsomely in the subsequent game against the Chargers, where Rondina notched 11 excellent receptions and contributed 11 points to Choco Mucho's 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 sweep at the Philsports Arena. Her performance highlighted a deliberate decision not to rely solely on teammates for defensive plays but to actively contribute to keeping the balls alive on their side of the court.
"I work on it every day because I don't want to rely on others," emphasized the Cebuana outside spiker, expressing her dedication to the team's success. "Whether it's Thang (Ponce) beside me, Isa (Molde), or in the past, Des (Cheng)... They take on the work that should be mine too."
Acknowledging the potential monotony of the routine, Rondina remains steadfast in her commitment, recognizing that consistent effort yields positive outcomes. Despite occasional reminders from the coach to focus on serving, Rondina maintains her emphasis on receiving, continually pushing herself to refine her skills.
"For me, it's an achievement because that was really my problem, and I keep working on the receive. Whatever happens, I told the coach that I will really promise to you. I will work on reception; I will overload until this league ends. I've committed to them," she proudly declared, acknowledging her progress.
Choco Mucho's head coach, Dante Alinsunurin, commended Rondina's response to the initial defensive challenges and praised her unwavering work ethic. "That really stuck with her. She really pushed herself," said Alinsunurin, recognizing Rondina's commitment to self-improvement.
As Choco Mucho continues its winning streak, Sisi Rondina's dedication to overcoming challenges and pushing her limits serves as a testament to her resilience and the team's unstoppable momentum in the Premier Volleyball League.