FILE PHOTO—Small but terrible Cherry Rondina (16). Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Cherry Rondina dropped jaws with a stunning level of play last Sunday in the Philippine Superliga Challenge Cup at SM Sands by the bay in Pasay City.
The jam-packed finals match between RC Cola Army’s Jovelyn Gonzaga and Nene Bautista against Foton’s Rondina and Patty Orendain was met with a light drizzle and a series of gasps and cheers amid heart-stopping exchange of hits from both teams.
After going head-to-head and alternately overtaking the other on the lead, the veteran tandem of Gonzaga and Bautista prevailed in three compelling sets, 18-21, 21-18, 13-15, to bring home the crown.
Gonzaga, though, was all praises to their opponents, saying that Orendain showed great skill on the court despite being their target early on in the match, while Rondina was simply a “bomb.”
“As always, it’s given that Rondina is a bomb,” said Gonzaga after the match.
To that, Rondina dubbed as the“Cherry Bomb” gushed, saying she was flattered and proud of herself after hearing such kind words from her idol.
“Wow! My idol said that,” said Rondina in a text message. “I feel proud of myself because she’s my idol and after seeing her play, I couldn’t be happier after hearing that.”
“I’m thankful because I was able to learn something and I gained experiences from her,” she added.
She also received praise from her UAAP coach in University of Santo Tomas, Emilio “KungFu” Reyes, who even hugged her and commended her for the great game.
Winners and losers
It was not an easy ride for Rondina who put the blame on herself after her last hit sailed outside, which cost Foton the match.
“I wasn’t able to hit the ball right on my last hit, I was so frustrated and it was our loss,” she said. “I really blamed myself afterwards but I realized that it was a lesson that during situations like this, I should keep calm and be sure of my attacks.”
“But after that, I knew that it was a game, and there will be winners and losers. It would be better if you win, but you gain experience from losing,” she added.
Taller team
The second set proved to be Foton’s best as the duo focused on floor defense, making it exhausting for Army to pitch in points.
Gonzaga admitted she was caught off guard after she felt Rondina aiming her with dunks and aces, causing her to commit errors. RC Cola tried to make adjustments and targeted Rondina in response.
But Foton knew what to do to subdue Army, charging its services heavily making it difficult for the opponents to receive.
It had been a challenging match for the Foton duo, who faced a taller and more experienced Army side, whose players both have suited up for the national team.
“They’re taller than us so it’s easier for them to score points and they get to hit the ball really well,” said Rondina. “We decided to stick to defense but it was tough for us to read their attacks.”
Comedic style of playing
Rondina was able to catch the crowd’s attention not only for her performance but for her comedic style of play. Earlier in the match, her reactions to Army’s attacks and her own errors caused the audience to burst out laughing.
Rondina admits to being surprised with the way she reacts during her games.
“I naturally play like that,” Rondina said referring to her ear-catching side comments and reactions while playing. “I often get surprised when I watch myself in videos. I think to myself, ‘seriously?’”
“I really play like that and I catch myself laughing at my own reactions,” she added.
With the fame she has garnered in her young volleyball career, she is thankful the fans appreciate her comedic and exciting style in the court.
“I feel so blessed because despite being this small, there are still so many people who believe that I can perform,” Rondina said. “I’m also extremely thankful to my fans that I am able to make them smile with the way I play.”
“I’m really happy to hear that they appreciate it,” she said.