Cherry bomb went off for Choco Mucho right away.
The idea of Sisi Rondina suiting up for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans has been a year in the making, and all the connections with the ube girls seems to be paying off.
For one thing, most of the Flying Titans are already familiar with each other's playstyles having competed with each other in UAAP Season 81. Bea de Leon was the captain for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Des Cheng for the De La Salle Lady Spikers, and Rondina for the UST Golden Tigresses.
But for setter Deanna Wong, the connection with Rondina is rooted on home soil.
"Coming from our home province in Cebu, nagkaka-connect agad, nagkakaintindihan," Wong told reporters after they swept the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday.
"Just really grateful na nandyan siya. Malaking tulong, 'di lang through offense, pati defense, what she learned sa beach volleyball."
Choco Mucho overwhelmed Farm Fresh, 25-14, 25-7, 25-16, for the ube girls' first match of the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference.
Wong was unstoppable at the service line with five aces, along with two blocks, one attack, and eight excellent sets.
The Philippine Queen of Sands meanwhile showcased her skills with 14 points and five excellent receptions.
Rondina wanted to prove a point with, well, her points from the setter.
"Every setter na kasama ko, gusto ko iparating na maganda set mo, gusto ko ipuntos agad," she told reporters, prompting Wong to look down while smiling.
"Overall naman, ang ginagawa ko talaga is tumulong and magtrabaho. Kasi lahat kami leader eh," Rondina added. "Kailangan din namin ipakita para di ma-put to waste 'yung past months na training."
Choco Mucho will immediately head back to the court this Saturday, July 1, against the returning Foton Tornadoes at 4 p.m.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)
(CF)