Foton open hitter Cherry Rondina has a habit of lifting her jersey and baring her abs when she commits an error or makes a bad read on the court.
Rondina had plenty of reasons to untuck her jersey during Foton’s Game Three loss to the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, costing them the PSL AFC championship. The Tornadoes surrendered 37 errors, most of which came in crucial stages, in four sets.
The 19-year-old open hitter was fresh from an electric sophomore UAAP season with the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses when Foton signed her for the PSL season. She had captivated fans with her beach volleyball prowess and unlikely athleticism on the Taraflex. Against the seasoned veterans of the PSL, Rondina still made her presence known.
“Masaya kasi naka-gain ako ng experience, pro club team na ‘rin ito. Pero malungkot ‘din kasi marami akong error noong dulo ng laro,” Rondina reflected, dwelling on an attack error and mis-reception she had given up late in the fourth set.
Known as a fiery competitor, Rondina shut down claims that she had been nervous. If anything, she had been eager to contribute for her team to take the championship.
“Pag pasok ko diyan, goal ko na talaga is makuha ‘yung championship. Pero unfortunately hindi namin natrabaho ng maayos. Pero okay pa din kasi, it’s just a game,” the Cebuana declared.
Rondina had most of the UST coaching staff on Foton’s sidelines, helping her transition into the team. The former UAAP beach volleyball MVP was grateful for the trust the coaches and organization have given a young player like her in a big game.
“Sobrang blessed at thankful kasi may tiwala sa akin ‘yung coaches. Gusto talaga nila na makapaglaro ako kaya kailangan kong magtrabaho,” she said.
“Sobrang na-motivate ako. Nag-sorry ako kasi ang dami kong nabigay na puntos lalo noong dulo.”
The pint-sized open hitter is also included in the 18-woman pool of players for Foton’s AVC Women’s Club Championships campaign. For a girl who started playing on dirt courts in small town in Cebu, making Foton’s AVC squad could be a dream come true.
“Sabihin na nating ang layo ko sa level na ‘yon. Sana makapasok pero masaya pa rin na nakasama ako at nabigyan ako ng chance,” she concluded.
“Thankful pa rin ako na naging part ako ng pool para sa international na laro. Kahit papaano, natupad ‘yung pangarap ko na makapaglaro sa ganitong level.”
