THE golden bloodline of University of Santo Tomas women’s volleyball continues to shine in the PVL.
On Sunday, three generations of Golden Tigresses shared the same stage, as Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure-led Choco Mucho outlasted Galeries Tower and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas in a gripping five-set duel.
READ: Choco Mucho ends skid in five-set comeback over Galeries Tower
Rondina and Laure delivered 18 points apiece in victory, while Pontillas was limited to nine markers in defeat.
Separated by four UAAP seasons each, the trio represents different eras of black-and-gold excellence. Pontillas capped her decorated collegiate career in Season 73 (2011). Four seasons later, Rondina emerged in Season 77 (2015) before teaming up with Laure in a finals run in Season 81 (2019).
Now 37 years old, Pontillas is in her 19th year on a grand stage since debuting in UAAP Season 69 and recently revived her professional career with the Highrisers following Petro Gazz’s leave of absence.
For Rondina and Laure, sharing the court with a school legend who came before them remains surreal.
“Idol kasi talaga si Nang (Pontillas) eh. Kapag naglalaro siya, isipin natin ilang taon na si Nang pero ‘yung volleyball IQ niya, ‘yung condition niya, sobrang ideal,” said the 29 year old Rondina.
“Sana makaganun rin kami. Makakabot tayo nang ganyan, ‘di ba?’”
Laure, who once chose to wear jersey No. 8 because of Pontillas, admitted her feelings about her UST senior have not changed.
“Si Nang talaga, parang kapag makakasama mo na sa loob ng court, for me, very special every time nakakalaban ko siya kasi nga, idol ko talaga siya since before,” said the 26 year old.
“Kinikilig ako habang naglalaro na hanggang ngayon, naaabutan ko pa rin siya kasi si Nang, talagang idol ko.”
Laban USTe, para sa USTe
Indeed, Pontillas’ longevity continues to inspire the younger Golden Tigresses greats, especially after Laure herself recently dealt with a minor leg injury.
“Sobrang motivating lang din for me na ganito pa rin maglaro ‘yung idol ko, kahit ilang taon na siya. Ako, gusto ko rin ‘yun higitan at ‘yung IQ niya, sana makuha ko rin,” Laure added.
In unison, the pair summed it up simply: “Patuloy tayo, patuloy natin. UST din naman tayo.”
Across generations, the Tiger stripes remain stitched together by respect, pride, and a shared standard of excellence.
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