by Kristel Satumbaga
Sisi Rondina made sure she will deliver when it mattered most for University of Santo Tomas in its quest to end a 10-year title drought in UAAP women’s volleyball.
The 22-year-old graduating top spiker exploded for 29 points that included 25 attacks as the Tigresses bested three-time defending champions La Salle Lady Spikers, 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, in the playoff for the No. 2 semifinal seeding and the twice-to-beat advantage on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City.
UST's Cherry "Sisi" Rondina (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
“Hindi pwedeng ako yung mawawala. Kailangan eh, kasi mga bata yung kasama ko,” said Rondina. (There’s no room to play poorly. I needed to step up for my younger teammates.)
Rondina said they utilized the opportunity presented to them as they were ready to face La Salle in the Final Four with or without the twice-to-beat privilege.
But La Salle succumbed to Far Eastern University in its last elims match to tie with UST at No. 2 with identical 10-4 cards, giving the Tigresses a shot at the precious incentive.
UST did not waste that chance, earning the second spot for the first time in nine years. It also put La Salle into an unfamiliar territory, settling for No. 3 for the first time since 2007.
Rondina, however, said the battle is not yet over. In fact, it is just starting.
UST's Cherry "Sisi" Rondina (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
“Hindi pwedeng ako yung mawawala. Kailangan eh, kasi mga bata yung kasama ko,” said Rondina. (There’s no room to play poorly. I needed to step up for my younger teammates.)
Rondina said they utilized the opportunity presented to them as they were ready to face La Salle in the Final Four with or without the twice-to-beat privilege.
But La Salle succumbed to Far Eastern University in its last elims match to tie with UST at No. 2 with identical 10-4 cards, giving the Tigresses a shot at the precious incentive.
UST did not waste that chance, earning the second spot for the first time in nine years. It also put La Salle into an unfamiliar territory, settling for No. 3 for the first time since 2007.
Rondina, however, said the battle is not yet over. In fact, it is just starting.