Sisi Rondina gets ‘surprise’ PH team call-up for AVC Challenge Cup

Sisi Rondina.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina is set to make her indoor debut for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the country’s hosting of the AVC Challenge Cup from May 22 to 29 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

No rest for Rondina as she shifts her focus to leading the national team, which will be among the 10 countries competing in the continental tournament, after Choco Mucho ended up with another runner-up finish in the grueling 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Sunday.

“Gusto ko magpahinga pero may mga instances kasi na kailangan din talagamag commit so wala akong magawa part na din talaga siguro ito ng trabaho,” Rondina told Inquirer Sports.

Inquirer sources bared that Cherry Nunag will join Rondina and Akari star Faith Nisperos has also committed to play in the Challenge Cup for the second straight year.

READ: Sisi Rondina believes PVL title will come eventually for Choco Mucho

The 5-foot-6 Rondina, who played for the women’s beach volleyball team and won a pair of Southeast Asian Games bronze medals, admitted she was surprised to get a call-up from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the PVL, which is tasked to handle the team’s campaign in the Challenge Cup.

Fazed about going up against much taller international players, the former PVL MVP embraces the challenge of fighting for the country’s pride.

“Alam niyo sa part na malalaro ako international kahit ako napapatanong bakit ako? Hindi ko alam kong kaya kong makipagsabayan. Pero kahit anong mangyari naman yayakapin ko ito. Andito na din ito, hindi ko na ito papakawalan,” Rondina said.

READ: Creamline’s depth leads to another PVL crown at expense of Choco Mucho

The PNVF has yet to reveal its roster for the tournament as of posting time. But Rondina will be teaming up with Creamline setter Jia De Guzman for the first time as the latter is out to share her experience from the Denso Airybees in Japan.

“Excited ako kung paano kami siguro maggel as a team kung sino man ilagay. Thankful padin ako na meron maglalaro para sa bansa,” the former UST star said.

National team coach Jorge Souza De Brito got two players from his wishlist in his last dance as his contract will expire on June 30.

The Philippines is grouped in Pool A against Chinese Taipei, India, Iran, and Australia.

The nationals placed seventh when De Brito and the core of the Akari Chargers competed last year in Indonesia.