Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina in the outside position for one team surely brought back outstanding memories for them.
The two led their alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, to the Finals of UAAP Season 81 – their lone tournament together representing the Golden Tigresses.
Five years later, the duo is back, and this time, it’s for Alas Pilipinas – the country’s women’s national team.
“Sobrang UST feels. Nakaka-miss. Masaya ako na dito kami nag-reunite sa national team. Sobrang proud ako sa growth niya (Laure) sa mundo ng volleyball talaga,” said Rondina.
The UST duo, who are now stars for their Premier Volleyball club teams, were fantastic for the Philippines in its impressive debut in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Thursday evening.
The Choco Mucho star and the Chery Tiggo main gunner went for 16 and 17 points, respectively.
And their performances helped Alas defeated Australia in four sets, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, witnessed by 4,945 fans inside the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Rondina did it on splits of 15 attacks and one service ace, while Laure shone with 14-of-28 spikes, two aces, and one block.
Laure credited her senior for bringing out the best in her every time they team up.
“Actually, malaking tulong si Ate Sisi sa akin kasi yung talagang tiwala and confidence ko sa paglalaro, lalong lalo na sa open, may natututunan ako habang naglalaro laking tulong ni Ate Sisi,” said Laure.
Salamat din kay Ate Sisi sa laging paggabay sa akin since UST hanggang sa tumapak kami ng national team nandyan siya,” she added.
Now, the duo and the entire Alas squad look to build on this victory as they face India tomorrow.
The Indians are 2-0 after straight-set wins against Iran and Chinese Taipei.
