Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Expect Cherry Rondina to be more inspired.
For the first time in her UAAP career, Rondina will have the view of her parents at courtside on Wednesday when University of Santo Tomas tries to repeat over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball finals.
The presence of Rondina’s parents Arnold and Alona couldn’t have come a better time. On top getting the chance to watch her in a pivotal game, they will also witness Cherry’s awarding as league’s Most Valuable Player before Game 2.
“I’m super thankful because my original plan was to already bring them here so they could watch the games live but the fans were also thinking of it,” said Rondina Tuesday at NAIA Terminal 4.
“It wasn’t just me, but also Dimdim and Alina had their families flew in.”
Both the UST and Ateneo communities joined together to not only bring the parents of Rondina and two other Golden Tigresses Dimdim Pacres and Alina Bicar.
Rondina, who is playing her first finals appearance, is nothing but thankful for being a part of UST.
“This is really the time that I can wholeheartedly say ‘it’s a good thing that I studied in UST,’ because the support of the community is really felt,” said Rondina. “It’s a great feeling to know that the people who helped you didn’t think twice of doing it.”
Rondina and the Golden Tigresses have a chance to not win the title on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena but they also have shot at breaking UST’s nine-year title drought.
The Golden Tigresses last won the title in 2010 and they already have one hand at the trophy after taking Game 1 in commanding fashion, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20.
“Of course I will do my best in the game so that their efforts will be worth it,” said Rondina who had 23 points in Game 1.