Sisi Rondina makes her debut for Choco Mucho in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina sizzled on her rousing Premier Volleyball League debut, leading Choco Mucho’s 25-14, 25-7, 25-16 rout of Farm Fresh in the 2023 Invitational Conference on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Returning from a four-year hiatus from the indoor volleyball action, it seemed that Rondina hardly missed a beat as she dropped a team-high 14 points built on 13 attacks and one block on top of five excellent receptions to lead the Flying Titans to their first win in Pool B.
Although she admitted that she is still adjusting from being a full-time beach volleyball player to being a PVL player, the high-flying 5-foot-6 spiker made a huge impact on Choco Mucho, which has missed the semifinals for the past three conferences.
The Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin marveled at Rondina’s leadership and energy right in her first pro game.
“She is important to us because she is the difference (maker) from the first conference. Right in her first game, she showed her energy and brave character inside the court. Her willingness also inspired her teammates which led to their collective effort. She may not be that vocal but her actions lead the team,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Setter Deanna Wong also shone with eight points including five aces and two blocks and had eight excellent sets, showing a good connection with fellow Cebuana Rondina.
Kat Tolentino only played in the third set and scored two points, she is still working her way to her top shape after representing the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Caitlyn Viray stepped up and backed up her University of Santo Tomas teammate Rondina with 13 points, while Cherry Nunag and Des Cheng added six points each.
The Flying Titans demolished the Foxies in the second set with a 13-0 start capped by Viray’s block before Michelle Gamit stop the bleeding scoring two consecutive points to cut it down to 14-2 but the former didn’t look back and ended the match in just 73 minutes.
“Good game for our team because our service receive went well every set. That dictated our tempo so our offense and defense worked throughout the game. I hope we can sustain this for our next games,” Alinsunurin said.
Choco Mucho takes on another new team, Foton, on Saturday at 4 p.m.
No one from the Foxies scored in double figures with Trisha Tubu leading the charge with seven points. Their previous top scorer Gayle Pascual was limited to just a point.
Farm Fresh dropped to 0-2 in Pool B before taking a break as its next match is scheduled on July 11 against Petro Gazz at Philsports Arena.