Sisi Rondina praised Choco Mucho’s heart and determination after the team overcame a 0-2 deficit to snatch Game 1 of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals from PLDT last Saturday.
The Flying Titans were caught off guard as the High Speed Hitters came out firing, decisively taking the first two sets and putting Choco Mucho in a difficult position in the series opener.
However, the Rebisco-backed squad — led by Rondina, Royse Tubino, and Mars Alba — maintained their composure and executed their plays to perfection, eventually clinching a hard-fought 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 victory over PLDT.
Rondina acknowledged they knew they were trailing significantly against the High Speed Hitters, but they refused to fold under pressure. Instead, the Flying Titans dug deep, rallied together, and staged a spirited comeback that turned the tide in their favor, putting them one win away from securing a semifinal spot.
“Alam namin minsan, dehado kami. Pero andoon pa rin ‘yung composure and adjustment na ginagawa namin pagdating sa laro. Lalo na kapag pitpitan talaga. Wala lang talagang tumitigil hangga’t ‘di pa tapos. Ganun ‘yung attitude sa laro kanina,” said the 5-foot-6 dynamo.
The former league MVP delivered a stellar all-around performance, tallying 31 points, 15 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
(C) PVL Images
“Yun lang talaga ‘yung nasa isipan ko kanina. Contribute lang nang mag-contribute, tulong lang kung saan ako pwedeng tumulong. Lumabas din talaga ‘yung kagustuhan ng lahat na manalo, ‘yung teamwork, saka ‘yung tiwala sa mga coaches at sa mga teammates ko,” added Rondina.
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin also made key adjustments, including inserting Alba, Tubino, and Maika Ortiz — all of whom played crucial roles in shifting the momentum and fueling the team’s comeback.
Tubino stepped up after Dindin Santiago-Manabat exited early in the first set due to knee discomfort, providing solid support for Rondina with 20 points. Ortiz anchored the net defense and contributed three points.
Alba provided steady playmaking and injected much-needed energy with her infectious enthusiasm. She finished with 16 excellent sets along with three points.
“Simula nung nag-third set, iba na ‘yung tao. Pero nakinig lang ako pagkapasok nila Mars na tiwala muna, pasensya muna. Ako kanina, sabi ko nga hangga’t ‘di sila nananalo ng tatlong sets, kaya naming bawiin,” Rondina concluded.
