Sisi Rondina si built different.
Sisi Rondina might be among the smallest players in the PVL Second All-Filipino finals but the 5-foot-6 heavy hitter plays with the biggest heart.
The pride of Compostela, Cebu shrugged off a knee injury scare in Game 1 of the finals, although the Choco Mucho Flying Titans ultimately fell to the Creamline Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22.
After the game, Rondina spoke about the collision with libero Thang Ponce and her decision to fight through it.
"‘Yung tuhod ko, akala ko parang may something kasi may na-feel akong nag-pop ba sa loob pero wala naman, kaya ko naman, naitayo ko naman sitya kanina so walang nangyari. Oo, pinagpag lang," Sisi said after dropping 17 points.
Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin has nothing but good words for his tough fighter.
"Si Sisi talaga hangga’t hindi natatapos ang game, talagang kahit anong nangyayari sa kanya ilalaban at ilalaban niya. Kasi nagkabanggaan sila ng tuhod, medyo masakit ‘yung thigh niya, pero sabi niya, ‘Coach ilalaban ko ‘to hangga’t hindi tapos ‘yung game,'" the Flying Titans mentor said.
"Sobrang proud ako sa kanya kasi alam niyo naman siya ‘yung kailangang kailangan ng team pagdating sa opensa and ‘yung ginagawa niya sa loob ng court, talagang tuwang-tuwa ako sa kanya."
Rondina and the rest of the Flying Titans will have to dig deeper if they want to push the series to a decider.
Game 2 of the finals will be played on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.