The Deanna Wong-Sisi Rondina connection was an instant hit for Choco Mucho in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
The Flying Titans easily took down Farm Fresh to open their campaign on a high note, winning 25-14, 25-7, 25-16 on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The new partnership in Choco Mucho was facilitated by the fact that both Rondina and Wong hail from Cebu.
“Before napagusapan din namin na maging teammates and coming both from our home province in Cebu, nagkaka-connect agad tapos nagkakaintindihan,” said Wong, who had eight excellent sets and eight points.
“Just really grateful na nandiyan siya kasi malaking tulong hindi lang through offense, through defense din and through what she learned sa international games sa beach volleyball malaking tulong yun para sa amin,” she added on Rondina’s arrival.
The 5-foot-6 high-leaping spiker made sure to reciprocate her setter’s efforts by finishing with a game-high 14 points, including 13 attacks and a block, marking an impressive debut in the PVL.
Although still adjusting to indoor play, Rondina shared her determination to convert all of Wong’s sets to boost the playmaker’s confidence.
Throughout her volleyball career, the University of Santo Tomas legend has developed a habit of going all out to show appreciation for her setters.
“Ang iniisip ko lang kanina, ako kasi honestly gusto ko iparamdam kay Deanna na maganda siya magset… Kumbaga hindi ako makakapalo kung wala yung set niya. Ganon yung gusto kong iparamdam sa kanya,” said Rondina.
“Ganon ako every setter na kasama ko gusto kong iparamdam sa kanya na ang ganda ng set mo kaya pinapalo ko, gusto kong ipupuntos ko agad.”
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin also marvels at his new weapon, who wasted no time introducing herself to the PVL.
Alinsunurin, in his second conference coaching the Flying Titans, emphasized that Rondina brings many qualities that the team lacked in the All-Filipino Conference.
“Importante kasi nakita naman namin yung naging difference nung first conference na nandito ako, yun talaga yung naging kulang namin kaya nung nandito siya, pinakita niya naman nitong first game namin yung energy niya, yung tapang niya sa loob ng court, and yung willingness ng teammates nya na nakikita siya na nandoon na siya sa taas talaga,” said Alinsunurin, who is trying to give Choco Mucho its first podium finish.
“Kahit ako sobrang natutuwa ako sa nangyayari kasi nagiging collective yung galawan namin sa loob ng court. Hindi naman siya masyadong nagsasalita pero yung kilos niya talagang nakakadala talaga sa team.”
