UST’s 1-2 punch Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure wreaking havoc in UAAP Season 81

MANILA, Philippines—There’s arguably no better duo in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament than University of Santo Tomas’ Cherry Rondina and Eya Laure.

The star tandem are the best in putting points on the board and they’re doing it while the rest of the league just watches.

With UST taking a share of the second spot with a 5-2 record, Rondina and Laure have shown that no one in the league can match up with their scoring prowess.

Rondina finished the first round of the tournament atop the Best Scorers table with 122 points while Laure comes second with 120.

The two, however, shrugged off their individual brilliance as they would rather focus on the team’s goal and that is to win the title.

“We’re just working hard and us teammates talked to each other that we have to win,” said Rondina in Filipino after UST trounced University of the East, 25-18, 25-14, 25-20, Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

“We really don’t care about our individual stats, what’s important is that big trophy at the end of the league.”

Laure, who’s on track to win the Rookie of the Year award, said that her only goal when she advanced from UST’s high school program to the seniors was to help the Tigresses and being one of the top offensive players is just a byproduct of that.

“When I came to UST my goal was really to help the team,” said Laure. “When coach Kung Fu (Reyes) and coach Ian (Fernandez) took me in my mind was set that I will be here to help the team.”

UST’s strong start in the tournament is the best in Reyes’ reign as head coach and it’s no coincidence that it’s the handiwork of the leadership of Rondina and the youthful exuberance of Laure.

Rondina, who was Season 80’s Best Scorer, said she’s determined to leave UST in the best way possible and she knows she has found her  in Laure.

“I want to exit UST in the best way possible and I know I can do that with Eya’s help,” said Rondina who had 17 points against the Lady Warriors. “