In a rematch of last season’s Finals, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses Cherry Rondina and Caitlyn Viray turned a predicted classic into a romp, sweeping Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza in the UAAP Season 80 Beach Volleyball Finals at the Sands SM by the Bay.
After taking Game One, 21-17, 22-20, the Tigresses showed their heart, coming back from a 14-19 deficit in the second set of Game Two to secure the sweep, 21-15, 21-19.
“Teamwork po talaga ang nagdala sa amin dito,” said UST’s Cherry Rondina. who has gone undefeated throughout the UAAP tournament for the first time in four years of competition.
“Inisa-isa lang po talaga namin ‘yung puntos kasi alam namin na lalaban ang FEU. ‘Di na lang talaga namin hinayaan na sumuko kam,” the three-time UAAP gold medalist added.
Rondina clinched her third UAAP title, and each time she had a different partner.
“Malaki po talaga ‘yung tiwala ko Cait. Hindi naman kami makakarating dito kung hindi niya sobrang ginalingan,” Rondina said of the lefty sophomore.
Pons and Atienza end their UAAP Beach Volley career with their third silver medal.