Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Cherry Rondina wants to let her game do the talking and she’s halfway there.
University of Santo Tomas is one win away from the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball title after an impressive Game 1 thrashing of Ateneo 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, and Rondina plans to keep her promise.
“I gave everyone my word that I will do everything to bring the title back to UST, the crown to España, and we will do it,” said Rondina in Filipino Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I told the girls that no one will give up and no one will be left out.”
Rondina was an unstoppable force in UST’s decimation of Ateneo, putting up 23 points on 20 attacks and two blocks.
“I was super focused during the game and I didn’t think of anything except for the game itself,” said Rondina. “It’s as if I was moving on muscle memory alone.”
If Rondina stays true to her word, the Golden Tigresses will break their nine-year title drought and earn their 17th title—the second most in league history behind Far Eastern University’s 29.
To fulfill that vow, Rondina usually reminds her younger teammates that they should never give in and that they will win, and smile, as one.
“I always show the girls what my attitude is, and that we need to win,” said the graduating Rondina. “We’ve wanted this for so long and it’s a great feeling to get this one.”
“We’ll win as one, we will smile as one after this day.”