SISI Rondina may be the reigning Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP, but she is the first to admit that her game is far from perfect.
There’s one facet of her MVP-caliber play, in particular, which she has long rued even before the season started — floor defense.
While no one would dare question Rondina’s offensive firepower through years past, the MVP herself isn’t satisfied with the efficiency of her ball receptions. And this is exactly why she was the central target of Petro Gazz’ services in their five-set battle with Rondina’s still-unbeaten Choco Mucho side.
READ: Mars Alba stands tall as Choco Mucho outlasts Petro Gazz
Rondina, however, didn’t mind doubling the work she put in by first receiving the Angels’ loaded serves before almost instantly positioning herself for an attack attempt.
“Hindi na talaga ako nabibigla kung ako 'yung ita-target [ng Petro Gazz sa service] kasi aminado talaga ako na 'yan 'yung pagkukulang ko talaga kahit anong gawin ko,” said Rondina.
“Ang ginagawa ko lang talaga, as long as kaya kong pagandahin, muscle memory ata 'yun, basta nag-iisip na kaagad ako na nasa server pa lang 'yung bola, iniisip ko kaagad na kailangan maganda 'to. And sinasabi ko talaga sakanila na kapag maganda 'yung receive ko, puntos-in natin kasi minsan lang 'yun.”
Sisi flexes her growth
Rondina’s muscle memory was spot on as she tallied a game-high 22 excellent receptions on top of her team-best 24 points in the Flying Titans’ five-set win over the Angels.
And it may just be one game, but the reigning MVP gave herself a morale-boosting pat in the back for taking huge strides in lifting her defensive performance up to par with her already-stellar scoring prowess.
“Kapag dikdikan 'yung laro, nabo-bother lang talaga ako minsan. Parang nagmi-mix na 'yung naiisip ko kasi kanina straight yung tatlo ata [na serve ng Petro Gazz], misreceive lahat 'yun at sa’kin galing 'yun.”
Rondina added: “Masaya ako kasi sa araw araw kong ino-overload 'yung reception ko may bunga namang nakikita. So happy for me.”
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