Sisi Rondina feels thrilled to see Alas Pilipinas Women’s reserves step up in their semis-clinching victory over Iran in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup last Sunday.
With the coaching staff opting to sit out key starters, Vanie Gandler, Cherry Nunag, Jennifer Nierva, and Faith Nisperos contributed significantly as the Filipinas made quick work of the Iranians, 25-16, 25-13, 25-15, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“Alam niyo, na-amaze ako sa mga teammates namin ngayon kasi ang bilis mag-adjust. And parang pare-pareho lang kami talaga ng role, kung ano yung kailangan gawin, pinupunan,” said the Choco Mucho star, who had 12 points in the victory.
“Ang bilis na rin maka-adjust. Lalong lalo na led by Ate Jia (De Guzman) kaya ayun, thankful ako sa kanila kasi sobrang napapadali yung trabaho namin,” she added.
Eya Laure and Thea Gagate had both played pivotal roles in their previous wins over Australia and India. The two sat out the game against Iran, with Gandler and Nunag stepping and delivering in their place.
The Cignal standout finished with nine points, while Nunag contributed four markers in the historic triumph that allowed the Nationals to clinch their first semifinals appearance in any continental tournament.
Jennifer Nierva, who started for Dawn Catindig, impressed defensively as well.
Meanwhile, Faith Nisperos, who was not fielded during their first two games, made a late appearance and hammered down the last two points that gave the Philippines the win.
“Kahit sino naman ipasok, alam naman namin na magco-contribute talaga. Ako masaya ako sa naging performance namin for the past three games na nangyari, nalaro namin,” said the former PVL MVP.
“Sobrang nakikita talaga na kahit one week preparation, apat na araw lang ata talaga yun, pero eto kami, nilalaro namin yung volleyball na dala dala namin yung bansa natin,” she continued.
“Siguro yun din talaga yung inspirasyon namin, kasi iba na to eh, may Philippines na nakalagay so dun kami humuhugot ng lakas.”
Rondina and Alas Pilipinas will try to complete their sweep of Pool A against the winless Chinese Taipei on Sunday, 7:00 PM at the same venue.
