Sisi Rondina bent on finding old self

In her final season in the UAAP, Sisi Rondina refuses to let a string of bad luck bring her down.

The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses absorbed a major blow in their four-set loss to the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws. Poised to take control of the match, second-year winger Milena Alessandrini crumpled to the floor late in the second frame.

With Alessandrini’s injury looking serious, the Tigresses are suddenly without a 15-points-per-game scorer. Still, Rondina does not see that as an excuse.

The four-time UAAP Beach Volleyball champion was more frustrated with her play. Suffering from cramps in the final set, Rondina still managed 16 points.

“Nag-cramps na talaga ako kanina. Noong nahabol ko sa dulo, nag-cramps na talaga ako noon. So hindi ko pinapansin, kasi siyempre mind over pain muna. The time na ayun nga, ‘yung habol, napaka-taas ng set, habol. Ano eh, ang daming takbo na nangyari kanina,” Rondina shared about running out of breath.

“And ayun, pinilit din namin na… Ako, sa sarili ko kanina, kasi hindi ko alam, hindi ko ba ma-timing-an yung bola… Ewan ko na lang, galit na ako sa sarili ko. Sinusuntok ko na, ginaganon ko na ng sapatos yung mukha ko. Kasi, para kasing… para akong baguhan kanina.”

Rondina isn’t new adversity. While making up the absence of Alessandrini will be tough, she insists UST have enough to stay afloat.

“Hindi na namin isipin si Milena. Siyempre, ipapanalo namin lahat ng game namin para sa kanya. Ayaw namin na ipakita sa kanya, na nawala siya, ganito na rin ‘yung team. Siyempre, mas magiging sad siya,” the 22-year-old Cebuana said.

“Double time kami para kay Milena, and not just Milena pero for all the supporters ng UST,” the graduating Tigress added.

“Kaya ayun, ano, pakundisyon ulit.”