Playing for Petron, the pair went through the tournament undefeated. They even earned the chance to represent the Philippines in the recently-concluded 2017 Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Games in Singapore, finishing fifth.
Now, both acknowledge that they have woken up from the dream and are “back to reality” as they lead their respective schools in the UAAP Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament.
Rondina is gunning for a third title with University of Santo Tomas. Having taken down Pons’ Far Eastern University in a thrilling three-game series last season, the Cebuana faces a new challenge in pairing up with sophomore Caitlyn Viray.
This will be Rondina’s first time being the veteran in the pair after teaming with batchmate Rica Rivera for two seasons and senior Jem Gutierrez last year.
“Hindi ko siya tini-treat na bata. Parang we treat each other as equals. Walang senior-senior sa loob,” mused the fiery, indoor winger after UST ended the fourth day of competition with a 6-0 record, “I know Cait’s ability. Wala akong doubt sa kung anuman ‘yung magiging performance niya. I always believe in her.
“Hindi ko iniisip kung anuman ‘yung mangyayare, as long as may matutunan kami.”
Still, Rondina is wary of the competition, especially Pons’ FEU.
“We know Bernadeth Pons, magaling siya sa buhangin,” the two-time UAAP gold medalist furthered, “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na mukang lugi kami sa kanila this season kasi nga mas beterana na siya ngayon tapos mas matagal na sila magkasama noong partner niya.
“Pero bilog naman ang bola.”
On her part, Pons thinks Rondina is downplaying her own abilities.
“Hindi naman sila underdog. Si Sisi naman kasi kahit sino i-partner mo diyan, kaya niyang dalhin,” said the Negrense.
“Kailangan pa din namin gawin ‘yung best namin kasi kahit sino kayang dalhin ni Sisi.”
Playing with Kyla Atienza for the fourth year in a row, Pons admits that this year has sentimental value, as this is their last playing year.
“Dalawang beses na kaming second place lang. Kaya naman namin magchampion, bakit hindi namin magawa?,” Pons expressed, as FEU also hold an identical 6-0 record after Day Two.
“For this season, talagang gustong-gusto namin mag-champion kasi nga last chance na namin ‘to.”
