Sisi Rondina leads Petron’s big rally

Down two sets after losing multiple set points on both frames, Petron on Thursday night cranked up its offensive machine to complete a scintillating rally and deal F2 Logistics its first loss in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference.

The Blaze Spikers rode a quartet of explosive scorers led by Sisi Rondina, forging a come-from-behind 26-28, 27-29, 25-19, 25-20, 15-6 victory over the Cargo Movers at Filoil Flying V Centre to grab the solo lead heading into the homestretch of the elimination round.

Ces Molina, Bernadeth Pons and Chin Chin Basas were the others who took turns hurting the Cargo Movers as Petron rose to 12-1 overall while snapping F2’s impressive 11-game winning streak.

“Coach [Shaq delos Santos] told us that we’re okay [despite losing the first two sets], we just have to play our game and enjoy it,” Rondina said in Filipino. “The volleyball match doesn’t end in two sets and we lose nothing by going all out [in the last three].”

Rondina electrified the crowd that braved the monsoon rains to watch her scoring showdown with F2’s Kalei Mau.

“Going into the match, I told myself that hopefully I can score points and contribute to my team,” said Rondina, the 5-foot-8 scoring dynamo out of University of Santo Tomas.

She did contribute big, 22 points in total, while playing with boundless energy that has been her trademark.

Mau, who acknowledged how Rondina “changed the pace of your team,” had 21 points, but only got solid help from Ara Galang, who chipped in with 14.

Rondina, on the other hand, got ample support from team captain Molina, who scored 20, and substitutes Pons and Basas who had 16 and seven points, respectively.

Petron put the No. 1 defensive team to test in the third and fourth sets by scoring a combined 37 points off attacks.