Sisi Rondina vows to make every set count

No matter how good or how bad the ball is set, Sisi Rondina said she will always go for the kill.

Rondina, who dominated the local beach volleyball scene for the past three or four years, played her first indoor volleyball game since 2019 on Thursday, June 29.

Without missing a beat, Rondina was explosive in her return as she led Choco Mucho to a 25-14, 25-7, 25-16 triumph over Farm Fresh in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Center.

It doesn't matter whether it's Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong or any other playmaker setting her the ball, Rondina said she is going to make them feel that they are doing their job well.

Sisi Rondina may just be the missing piece for Choco Mucho to win the PVL title. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

“Honestly, I want Deanna to feel that she sets well. That's my approach for every setter that I've teamed up with. I want her to feel that 'hey you've given me a beautiful set,” said the 26-year-old Rondina in Filipino.

“I want to kill every set given to me because I can't spike anything without a setter.”

The 5-foot-6 outside hitter scored a game-high 14 points, killed 13 attacks and scored one off a block on Thursday.

Rondina last played organized indoor volleyball for Petron in the now defunct Philippine Superliga in 2019. She shifted to beach volleyball where she represented the Philippines in several international competitions.

“It wasn't an easy transition (from beach to indoor volleyball),” she said.

“I wasn't nervous, I am when it comes to beach volleyball because most of the tournaments I joined were international ones. Here (in the PVL), it seemed just the same old faces.”

Rondina also played indoor volleyball for the University of Santo Tomas in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) where she bagged the Season 81 women's volleyball tournament Most Valuable Player plum.

“All I'm thinking about is that I'm going to work and I need to help my team. Nothing more. I just showed how I play so my teammates will play more competitively,” she added.

Wong, meanwhile, is glad to have her friend on her side.

“It's good to have someone who can really help the team. She should have been here last year but due to unforeseen circumstances, it didn't push through. I'm really grateful because before we've talked about being teammates since we're both from our home province Cebu,” Wong said.

“We connect and understand well. I'm just really grateful not just because of the offense and defense she brings to the team but also for the knowledge she brings to us with her international volleyball experience.”

Rondina's value to the Flying Titans is also echoed by Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

“Sisi is important to the team. In the first conference, what Sisi had was what we were lacking. In this game, she showed her energy, her bravery inside the court, and her willingness to help. I'm happy because it's been a collective effort for us. Sisi might not be talkative but her actions carry the whole team,” Alinsunurin said.