By Will Imperial
Sisi Rondina’s leadership is more than just dynamic play; it’s a crucial element in guiding the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to a dream finish in the Premier Volleyball League.
Despite their setback in the last All-Filipino Conference, falling just short of the championship against powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, Rondina remains optimistic about the upcoming centerpiece tournament starting on Tuesday (Feb. 20) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The departure of key players such as Bea de Leon, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and Caitlyn Viray left a void in the team. However, the arrival of talented players like Royse Tubino, Mean Mendrez, Mars Alba, and Bia General is anticipated to effectively fill that gap and bring strength to the team.
Rondina expresses excitement about playing with her new teammates, prepared to showcase their skills in a tournament with intense competition from 11 other teams, including two newcomers.
Fully embracing Coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system and play patterns, the Flying Titans enter the AFC with confidence. Rondina acknowledges the importance of overcoming off-days and stresses personal improvement, particularly in her weakest aspect: receiving.
And even though she was the top scorer and ranked high in various statistics after the semifinals in the last AFC, her focus remains on refining her skills.
“Sana, kasi maraming mga instances na pwedeng off. Maraming pangyayari na hindi natin alam, pero siyempre mas pino-focus ko talaga kung saan talaga ako weak talaga, ‘yung receive ko. So, unti-unti, nag-i-improve naman,” said Rondina, who emerged as the top scorer (236 points). She also ranked third as the most efficient spiker (36.98 percent), placed ninth in serve (0.20 per set), finished No. 6 in digs (2.33 per set), and wound up the second-best receiver with 38.67 percent efficiency.
Managing expectations for the team, Rondina assures that the Flying Titans will tackle each game with determination and a winning mindset. Acknowledging the uncertainty of the conference due to the level playing field, she emphasizes the team’s dedication to hard work and adherence to Alinsunurin’s teachings.
“Expectations? Wala, kasi madaming teams ang sumali ngayon. Sabi nga, bilog ‘yung bola. Hindi natin malalaman kung ano ‘yung takbo ng conference,” said Rondina. “Pero sisiguraduhin po namin na magta-trabaho kami at siyempre ipapakita po namin kung ano ‘yung mga itinuturo ni coach Dante.”
“Hindi namin iniisip ‘yun (expectations); actually, hindi naman dapat iniisip ‘yun. Pero sabi ko, lagi kaming magta-trabaho, ipapakita po namin kung paano kami mag training at paano po namin maipe-perform yung mga tinuturo ni coach,” said Rondina.
