MANILA, Philippines—At the same time that she was thankful for receiving unwavering support, UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball MVP Sisi Rondina apologized to the UST community after failing to clinch the title against the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Game 3 Saturday.

“Pasensya na, ’yun lang kinaya ng team,” Rondina told reporters after a heartbreaking 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 loss to the Lady Eagles at Mall of Asia Arena. The MVP tallied a game-high 18 points to lead the Tigresses, but she ultimately could not carry her team to the crown.

Rondina then thanked her the UST fans for their support in her 5 seasons at España.

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“Still, we are grateful kasi isa kayo sa mga nag-push na makapunta sa kung saan kami nakatayo ngayon,” Rondina quipped. “Makikita mo ’yung golden sea. Ako sa sarili ko, ‘Naibalik namin ’yan.’ ”

One of the league’s best outside spikers, Rondina also lauded the Black and Gold community for rallying behind her.

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“Hindi niyo kami iniwan. Thank you so much kasi naibalik namin ’yung UST community. Napi-feel talaga namin kung gaano kami kaswerte na maging estudyante at player [ng UST],” she said.

Rondina pleaded to the community not to stop supporting the team even after she graduates, assuring fans she will be joining them next year on the sidelines.

“Wish ko lang na ’wag niyo iwan ’yung mga matitirang players ng UST. Tatabi na ko sa inyo at kakanta ng ‘GoUSTe,’ ” Rondina said.

“Sa mga taong katulad kong maliliit, walang maliit sa volleyball. Push lang talaga tayo sa mga pangarap natin,” she concluded. “Sisi Rondina, signing off.”

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