By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure’s much-anticipated reunion ignited instant fireworks as Choco Mucho dominated Akari, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, to jumpstart its Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Former University of Santo Tomas teammates, the duo quickly rediscovered their chemistry, combining for 25 points with trademark power and intensity to lead the Flying Titans to a resounding opening victory.
Rondina, returning from months-long stint in beach volleyball, proved she remains a force to be reckoned with by racking up 16 points including 14 kills, while Laure made a sensational debut for the squad by contributing 11 points on eight attacks and two aces.
The diminutive Rondina admitted it took her some time to adjust from the sands of beach volleyball to the hard court, but her performance showed she had quickly found her rhythm.
“Honestly di ko talaga alam. Sobrang kinabahan ako kanina kung ano yung igagalaw ko kasi nanibago ako sa ambiance. Ang ginawa ko lang ay i-compose ang sarili ko and siyempre mag-perform nang maayos at mag-deliver,” she said.
Rondina added she was grateful to play with the new recruits including Laure.
“Antagal kong nanligaw kay Eya (Laure) para lang mapunta samin and thankful ako na napili niya kami,” she said.
Apart from their fiery offense, the Flying Titans also displayed their rock-solid defense headed by Lorraine Pecaña and Jaila Atienza, who each posted four of the team’s 11 blocks.
Laure also joined forces with Tang Ponce on the floor and combined for 14 excellent digs.
Fifi Sharma was the lone twin-digit scorer for Akari with 10 points, while Ced Domingo managed nine. The trio of Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina and Eli Soyud, meanwhile, were held to just six points.
