During her time at UST, Sisi Rondina has earned the respect of both her teammates and her rivals. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines—As “Queen Tigress” Sisi Rondina exits the Tigers’ lair, the MVP reminded her rookie teammates to continue their winning ways and not disappoint the University of Santo Tomas community in UAAP Season 82.
Rondina leaves the league as bridesmaid, after failing to rally UST to the title in Game 3, which the Ateneo Lady Eagles won 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila [mga bata], sa susunod na maglalaro kayo, ’wag na ’‘wag niyong ipapahiya ang UST kasi mahal ko ’yan. Make sure you fight for UST lahat lahat. Kailangan niyo mahalin ang UST the way I love UST. Ibang feeling maging Thomasian,” Rondina said.
She said she felt proud to be part of a team composed mostly of rookies who didn’t act or play that way.
“Partida mga bata ’to pero ’pag naglaro iba. Parang hindi mga bata. Napakasaya ko kasi sila ’yung nagpatikim sa’kin kung paano mag-finals,” Rondina said.
The MVP acknowledged it was not the exit she wanted.
“Nasaktan ako. Ayoko. Gusto maging Golden Tigresses na champion,” Rondina said. “Kahit ano’ng sabihin ko, hindi na talaga ako makakabalik.”
Rondina said she badly wanted to win the title to repay UST’s kindness toward her, especially during her final year on the team.
In her 5 years with the Tigresses, she brought her family to Manila to watch her game. It convinced her mother not to work overseas anymore, and she experienced celebrating the MVP award with her loved ones.
But the UST chapter of her career has now come to an end and, quoting an OPM song, Rondina is left with no choice but to move on.
“May dulo pala ang langit,” she said.
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UAAP Season 81, UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball, Ateneo Lady Eagles, UST Golden Tigresses, Sisi Rondina