Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina remained in high spirits just moments after the Flying Titans suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss to F2 Logistics in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Tuesday night.
Despite the defeat, the Rebisco-backed squad seemed to have the game in their grasp, with Kianna Dy committing a crucial attack error in the fifth set. However, a late challenge by the Cargo Movers’ coaching staff allowed F2 Logistics to escape with a 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 victory at the Philsports Arena.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 5-foot-9 dynamo refused to label the outcome as a loss. Rondina expressed that Choco Mucho learned valuable lessons from their thrilling five-set encounter with the Cargo Movers.
“Sabi ko nga po sa mga teammates ko kanina sa dugout, hindi kami natalo. Natuto kami,” said Rondina, who exploded for 28 big points in the loss.
She also had 16 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.
“Good thing kasi may nakita kami and may nakukuha kami sa laro ngayon and kaya namin. Kinapos lang. Ako, proud talaga ako kanina kasi yung composure, yung confidence, yung focus nandoon talaga. Hindi lang binigay sa amin talaga. Pero okay lang, masaya kami sa outcome ng laro,” she continued.
Choco Mucho had the opportunity to seal the victory early in the fourth set, but F2 Logistics displayed great determination. They extended the match to a deciding fifth set before snatching the win from under the Flying Titans’ noses.
Adding to the team’s challenges, they lost a few key players late in the match. Des Cheng was carried off the court on a stretcher due to heat exhaustion, while Cherry Nunag suffered from cramps in the middle of the fifth set.
Despite the unfortunate incidents that clearly hindered their chances of winning, the former UAAP MVP refused to use them as excuses. Rondina acknowledged that F2 Logistics earned the victory through their performance on the court.
“Di kami magrarason. Ako, honestly, hindi namin irarason yung mga ganun kasi maliit na bagay lang yun e saka player kami. Pagdating sa ganiyan kailangan manage namin yung ganun. So trinabaho talaga ng F2 yun,” explained Rondina.
“Kami, kinapos kami naiintindihan naman namin yung mga sitwasyon kanina kasi maraming fans talaga and kahit malakas yung aircon, kahit maraming tao iinit talaga so walang problema yun.”
Rondina firmly believes that the Flying Titans will emerge from this loss as a stronger team moving forward. They now have a well-deserved break before facing Petro Gazz on Tuesday at 6:30 PM, where they aim to regroup and showcase their improved performance.
