The Petron Blaze Spikers exacted sweet revenge on F2 Logistics, handing the Cargo Movers their first loss of the 2019 PSL All-Filipino Conference, Thursday.
And while Sisi Rondina missed their first-round encounter due to a trip overseas, she became the game-changer this time around.
The UAAP Season 81 MVP fired 22 points built on 21 attacks and a block to lead her team in scoring. But none were bigger than the ones she unloaded from the third set onward, where she – along with Bernadeth Pons – towed Petron to a decider.
The Blaze Spikers then went on a rampage in the fifth set to snatch the top spot with a 12-1 card. Meanwhile, the Cargo Movers drop to solo second with an 11-1 slate.
“Definitely gusto namin manalo talaga,” the 22-year-old Rondina said.
“Sabi ko nga kanina, walang magre-relax kasi sa isang game, tatlong set o limang set, doon lang tayo titigil. As long as hindi pa sila makaabot doon, maglaro lang.”
Following her massive performance, Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos sang praises for the 5-foot-6 dynamo.
“Lagi akong proud sa batang yan,” Delos Santos, the Women’s National team chief tactician, said.
“Tawag ko nga diyan ‘spark plug’ eh, kasi ‘pag sinalpak mo sa team, siya yung bumubuhay sa team namin.”
Rondina has been a consistent source of energy and scoring for Petron throughout the conference. Whether as a starter or a catalyst from the bench, she never fails to deliver the goods every time she steps on the court.
Given the way she has been performing, Delos Santos cannot deny the upsurge in Rondina’s play and hopes to see her grow more.
“Mas nakita namin yung improvement niya ngayon,” the former FEU mentor said.
“Hopefully, magtuluy-tuloy.”
