Foton Pilipinas open hitter Cherry Rondina may be shorter than most of the participants in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship but she has become the darling of the crowd.
The University of Santo Tomas standout inspires long, audible gasps every time she jumps for a hit. Even in warm-ups, fans wait and cheer for every one of the 5’3″ Cebuana’s attacks.
Facing foes more than a foot taller than her, Rondina can’t help but stand in awe of how far she’s gotten in her young career.
“Sobrang happy. Nakaka-proud kasi sinabi ko na goal ko talagang makalaro sa ganitong liga.
“Para sa Pilipinas pa. Sobrang overwhelming na may naniniwala sa mga kakayahan ko kahit ganito lang ako,” Rondina told Tiebreaker Times.
“Lahat naman ginagawa ko kapag may opportunity para hindi mapahiya ‘yung pangalan sa harap at likod ng jersey ko.”
Rondina is extra thankful to be included in the roster after missing several practices due to school commitments.
With two towering American imports who play the same position as her in Foton’s lineup, Rondina doesn’t mind if she rides the bench for most of the competition.
“Hindi naman big deal sa akin kahit di ako makalaro,” she shared.
“Para sa akin kasi, parang hindi qualified ‘yung mga tulad ko para sa mga ganyang liga. Pero kapag nabigyan naman po ako ng chance, gagawin ko lahat para makatulong sa team.”
