SISI Rondina capped her amazing five-year collegiate career with the Athlete of the Year for team sports of UAAP Season 81.
After bringing University of Santo Tomas back to the Finals in indoor volleyball and winning four titles in beach volleyball, Rondina received the top honor of the season for team sports.
“Blessed and hindi ko rin inexpext na sakin mapupunta. Para sa lahat ng teammate ko to,” said the four-time beach volleyball MVP, who won a lone plum in indoor this year.
Ateneo swimmer Jessie King Lacuna was also named as Athlete of the Year for individual sports.
It was Lacuna’s second Athlete of the year plum since 2016 capping his amazing five-year career winning championships in all those seasons with 35 UAAP medals.
“Masaya. Honestly, nakakaiyak. The past four years, sabi ko di ako iiyak on my last event. But damn man, sabi ko were done,” Lacuna said. “For me, joining the UAAP, all I want is share my talent, my passion with everyone else. As much as possible, platform to to share my talent.”
Meanwhile, Kai Sotto was named as athlete of the year for team sports in the highschool division.
The award was received by teammate Geo Chiu as the 7-foot-2 Blue Eaglet started his training in US.
Ateneo swimmer Phillip Joaquin Santos won the top honor for individual sports in high school division.
UST was also crowned as overall champions accomplishing a ‘5-peat’ and 20th title in high school and ruled the collegiate division for the third straight season and their 43rd overall.
The Tigers remained the winningest in UAAP with 63 general championships.
This year’s host National University also successfully passed the rights to Season 82 host Ateneo.
The Season 81 closing ceremonies also recognized the all the MVPs and rookies of the year in each sports as well as the national team players, who campaigned in the 2018 Asian Games and other international events.
Athletes with academic excellence were also awarded: Adamson’s Jed Colonia (basketball), Ateneo’s Reagan Gavino (swimming), La Salle’sJamica Arribas (softball), FEU’s Josefa Ligmayo (athletics), NU’s Jack Animam (basketball), UE’s Allaine Cortey (fencing), UST’s Mae Bernal (fencing) and UP’s Nikki Oliva (taekwondo).
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