No regrets for MVP Rondina after losing in front of family

MANILA, Philippines – The UST Golden Tigresses may have lost in Game 2 of the finals against the rallying Ateneo Lady Eagles, but for Sisi Rondina, she already won before the first serve hit the air.

That’s because for the first time ever, her entire family from Cebu was in attendance at the jampacked Mall of Asia Arena with the best seats in the house, cheering her team’s every move on Wednesday night, May 15.

They even joined the Queen Tigress in her MVP coronation prior to the game.

With her family in tow straight from Cebu, Queen Tigress Sisi Rondina received the #UAAPSeason81Volleyball MVP Award! | via @JRnalistic pic.twitter.com/2R39YCSRG2

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) May 15, 2019

The Cebuano spiker was downcast after the four-set loss, but otherwise positive about the whole experience.

“Sobrang sad,” she said after leading UST with 22 points. “Still, thankful kasi naramdaman nila kung paano sumuporta yung UST community and nandoon sila, nakasaksi sila kung ano yung UAAP. Still thankful pa rin kasi though natalo kami, nakita namin sila na ganoon sila mag-cheer sa amin, lalong-lalo na ako, kasi first time nila sa Manila.” 

(It’s very sad. But still, I’m thankful because they felt how the UST community supports and they’re there to witness how the UAAP is. I’m still thankful because although we lost, they saw how UST fans cheered for us since it’s their first time in Manlia.) 

“There’s always a word [for it] naman talaga: come back stronger,” she continued. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that Rondina is ready to roll the red carpet for the Lady Eagles come Saturday for the rubbermatch. 

“May motivation. May Game 3 pa,” she said. “Yung mga positive words ni coach nandoon lagi. Babawi kami.” 

(There’s motivation. There’s still Game 3. Coach’s positive words are still there. We’ll get it back.) 

While there’s no word yet on whether or not her family will extend their stay for the do-or-die duel, the Rondina family showed in Game 2 that they’ve got Sisi’s back against all odds.  – Rappler.com