Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Cherry Ann Rondina and University of Santo Tomas may have lost to Ateneo, but the promising outside hitter won the adulation of Philippine volleyball’s biggest star in Alyssa Valdez.
Rondina and Valdez went toe-to-toe on Sunday and after the Lady Eagles’ four-set win, the two-time UAAP MVP offered nothing but high praise for the second-year spiker.
“She’s really a fighter. She mean’s business every time you go up against her,” said Valdez, who also recalled facing Rondina in beach volleyball.
In the Golden Tigresses’ first two games, Rondina has been her team’s best player. She had 21 points against the defending champions but her efforts were put to waste as UST reeled to its second straight setback in as many outings.
Seeing how Rondina put UST on her back, Valdez, who scored 23 to lead Ateneo, couldn’t help but gush over Rondina’s potential.
“When she’s inside the court, she doesn’t think about anything else. She has that killer instinct and oh my God, she will go a long way,” Valdez said.
“Kahit wala siyang height (She doesn’t have the height where most of the players have the advantage, but I don’t think Rondina needs it.”
Listed at 5-foot-5, Rondina’s athleticism compensates for her lack of height and it was evident on Sunday when she was able to find success against Ateneo’s lengthy blockers.
“It takes a lot of effort to get a point and she helps the team not only on offense,” Valdez said. “Even though, she’s not tall, she has that first ball, so what else can you ask for.”
“She’s also a really nice kid and really hardworking and that’s what coaches are looking, someone who will keep on fighting.”