Sisi Rondina relishes opportunity to face Vietnam

Not getting the chance to face Vietnam during Alas Pilipinas’ bronze run in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women last May, Sisi Rondina felt glad to finally test the mettle of the Southeast Asian powerhouse.

The Philippines bowed to Vietnam on Friday night, 14-25, 22-25, 21-25, crashing out of contention in the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Despite the defeat, the Choco Mucho superstar felt at peace, knowing they’d learned a lot against the Vietnamese side.

Their opponents even had Tran Thi Thanh Thuy back in the fold after missing her services during the Challenge Cup, where they still bagged gold.

“Syempre sobrang grateful kami na nakaharap namin yung Vietnam. Ang dami naming natutunan,” said the high-leaping outside hitter from Cebu.

Rondina led the Filipinos’ attack with 15 points, all from attacks, while opposite hitter Angel Canino added 12 points on 11 spikes and one service ace.

The 27-year-old one-time PVL MVP also expressed her gratitude to the fans who trooped to the Manila stadium, where they saw Alas Pilipinas fight valiantly, especially in the final two frames where they just lacked a strong finish.

“Syempre sobrang saya kasi ang daming nakapanood. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng suporta,” she said.

It was a tall task for the Nationals right from the start as Vietnam was coming off a gold finish in the Challenge Cup while also getting Thuy back after an injury.

They relied heavily on Challenge Cup MVP Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen, who erupted for 30 big points via 27 attacks and three blocks.

Still, Alas Pilipinas believed in their leader, Jia De Guzman, who rallied them before the match.

“Kanina nag-huddle lang kami, sabi lang ni ate Jia na wala dapat ibang isipin. Ipakita lang namin kung ano yung kaya namin gawin and alam naman namin na meron kaming kakayahan na hindi nila kaya,” shared Rondina on their pre-game meeting.

“Ayun, kahit kinapos, nandoon pa rin yung laban.”