Despite having dropped a heartbreaking five-setter in Game One of the 2016 PSL All-Filipino Conference finals, Cherry Rondina and the Foton Tornadoes entered Game Two undeterred. However, the Tornadoes lost the first set of their do-or-die game as poor floor defense led to powerful F2 attacks.
Not wanting to fall into a 2-0 hole, Rondina and the Tornadoes took a deep breath and formed a resistance against the powerful Cargo Mover offense.
“Kanina tinibayan lang namin first ball namin kahit sobrang kargado,” said Rondina, who had nine digs and six receptions.
Moreover, playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan pleaded with her team to receive well and that once they do, she will take care of the rest.
“Sinabi ni Ate Rhea na itaas niyo, ako na bahala,” the 5’5 Cebuana shared. “Parang nag-matter kami sa diskarte.”
Everything then fell into place for the 2015 PSL Grand Prix champions. Excellent receptions led to fluid sets that ended with opportunities for Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz, Patty Orendian, and Rondina herself. More importantly, Foton were able to hold their rivals in the next three sets to extend the series to a winner-take-all Game Three.
And all of this started from a plea by Dimaculangan.
Incoming UST junior Rondina has always had high respect for Dimaculangan, a former UST Golden Tigress herself. The two Tomasinas hadn’t been able to share the courts together in the UAAP, as Dimaculangan was six years her senior. The two immediately formed a connection once Foton tapped the services of Rondina for the tournament.
“Sobrang importante po kasi alam niya galawan ko, lagi kasi kami magkasama,” said the explosive open hitter, who had 15 points in the game, about her relationship with Dimaculangan.
The friendship formed by the two Tomasinas goes beyond the courts as well.
“Alam niya emosyon ko. Si ate Rhea lagi kong nasasabihan ng problema ko. Kilala na talaga niya ako,” she narrated.
Nothing would be more special for the two than winning a championship together before Rondina goes back to España.
