Fourteen months after their historic bronze finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the quartet of Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dzi Gervacio, and Dij Rodriguez reunited in the very same Subic venue, Friday.
This time around, the four led the 21-woman cast of the national team pool.
And the 24-year-old Rondina is just glad to have the band back together.
Just how happy were they? Well, they even re-did their iconic pose after they nab bronze, this time wearing their Creamline jerseys.
“Masaya kasi nagkasama sama kami and at the same time sarap mapasama sa tryout,” expressed the native of Cebu, definitely missing the game.
During the Clark games, SiPons went 3-3 while Dzi-Dij went 2-3. Their most crucial games came in the final day when both teams swept Singapore.
This time around, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation did not just bring the four back but also added 13 more players to the pool — including beach volleyball icon Jovelyn Gonzaga.
In addition, a juniors program has been introduced that has Roma Mae Doromal, Grydelle Joanice Matibag, Khylem Harl Progella, and Samantha Maranan.
“Hopefully magtuloy tuloy na ang program ng beach volleyball,” shared Rondina.
With six months of preparation heading into the games, expectations will be high for the women’s beach volleyball team.
Rondina though is tempering expectations, saying that any color of medal will do come Hanoi.
“Wala akong sasabihin about that but gagawin namin lahat and siyempre aiming for another podium po kami. Excited sobra!”
