They are as different as anyone can be. Their backgrounds, their style of play and their roles with their squads. But once their paths converged, once their careers collided in a championship clash, the similarities began emerging.
They were captains, and they would steer their respective ships as far as humanly possible.
Bea de Leon was fortunate to have led Ateneo farther, a 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 victory in Game 3 of the finals Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena sealed the Lady Eagles’ third title in six years.
The Ateneo skipper was on the fence about playing a fifth year for the Katipunan squad until coach Oliver Almadro reeled her in.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” said De Leon, who was named the Finals MVP. “I’m so happy that coach O (Oliver Almadro) still called me up because he had a choice not to and he had a choice to replace me.”
Almadro stood by De Leon the whole season, parrying critics of her limited production by saying “she brings a lot more to the court than just scoring.”
“I still remember that day when [Almadro called me up] and I’m still thankful for coach O for still wanting me to be part of the team,” De Leon said. “I couldn’t say no to coach O. It was really the best decision I’ve ever made. We’re here and we did it.”
Almadro’s faith and De Leon’s decision to stay were repaid as Ateneo held off a young UST team in dominant fashion for the crown.
But the Tigresses’ defeat doesn’t make Sisi Rondina a loser. The roar from the sea of yellow as she addressed the UST crowd made it clear that the indefatigable captain would leave on the wings of victory.
For Rondina, playing a fifth year for UST was a no-brainer.
“I love UST,” she said in Filipino. “I still don’t want to let go of UST.”
Rondina will graduate in June, a final ceremony to end her stay in España. And oh, how she would have loved to leave behind a shining trophy.
But there at the place where all journeys end, there was no tangible symbol of victory. Rondina did not leave empty-handed though; the Thomasian community made sure she heard—loud and clear—its parting present.
And Rondina did leave something behind: a legacy.
“When someone says ‘Sisi Rondina’ they will be reminded of someone who gave it all for the school, someone who never wanted to let UST down.”
“I hope the players who remain will always remember to love UST and give it their all for UST like I did.”
De Leon and Rondina. In an arena that measures wins and losses, only one of them left in a rain of confetti and cheers, cradling a trophy for her efforts.
But where sports is measured by a dedication, passion and love for both game and team, they both walked off as champions. —WITH A REPORT FROM BONG LOZADA, INQUIRER.NET