Without the über-athletic Sisi Rondina, Babylove Barbon is under no illusions that UST’s bid for a fourth straight title in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament is going to be as easy as last year.
“Sobrang napakalaking pressure sa akin.
“Yun nga, graduate na si ate Sisi, wala nang senior na magdadala sa amin,” the UST sophomore bared.
After all, Rondina is one of, if not the most decorated athlete to ever grace the UAAP sands. She finished her stellar collegiate career with four beach volleyball titles and four MVP awards.
And so one cannot blame Barbon for feeling the loss of the 5-foot-6 dynamo at her side.
As the 20-year-old admitted, “Hindi ko alam ano mararamdaman ko eh.”
Still, Barbon knows all too well how to deal with the pressure that has fallen on her shoulders.
“Siguro yung pressure na yun, ginagawa ko na lang siyang motivation para mas gumanda laro ko,” the proud daughter of Bukidnon said. “Hindi yung parang mawawala ka sa laro mo dahil sa pressure na ganun.”
Without a doubt, Barbon walked the talk in UST’s curtain-raiser on Sunday.
In front of Rondina and a riveting crowd at the SM Sands by the Bay, Barbon flaunted her wares with aplomb. She orchestrated UST’s drubbing of UP Lady Maroons duo Rosie Rosier and Euricka Eslapor, 21-11, 21-6.
Though it was still just the first game, Barbon has shown that she is capable of carrying the responsibility of continuing UST’s vaunted beach volleyball program.
Still, Barbon pointed out that the responsibility doesn’t just fall on her shoulders alone. Her new partner, Gen Eslapor, also has her part in their campaign.
“Kaming dalawa ‘yung naiwan sa responsibilidad na naiwan ni ate Sisi dito,” Barbon said.
“Yung goal po namin is ma-defend yung crown para din kay ate Sisi, kasi ilang seasons din na nag-champion siya. Ayaw namin na mabigo siya.”
