Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina reconnect as teammates for the first time since their UST days in 2019, after committing to Alas Pilipinas for the AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
The duo that once set the UAAP ablaze will reconnect on the international stage to bring pride and honor to the Philippines.
Former Queen Tigresses Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina reunite as teammates for the first time since 2019, having received call-ups for Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
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“Looking forward ako sa international stint namin together,” Laure bared.
“This is our first time. And hopefully maging maganda rin ‘yung kalabasan.”
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The two have come so far since the last time they shared the same side of the court.
Rondina has garnered acclaim as a decorated beach volleyball athlete, notably clinching two bronze medals in the Southeast Asian Games along with a gold in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures event in Subic. In the Premier Volleyball League, she serves as the ace for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, where she earned an MVP award and two runners-up trophies to boot.
For her part, Laure has established herself as one of the most versatile players in the local volleyball scene. As the standout performer for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, she clinched the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference 1st Best Outside Hitter accolade, showcasing her elite prowess.
With Rondina's wealth of experience and her dynamic presence on the court, Laure is eager to soak up knowledge and draw inspiration from the 5-foot-6 dynamo.
“Excited ulit ako siyempre ang daming mga new learnings ni Ate Sisi [Rondina], whether sa beach volley man ‘yan o international man ‘yan. I’m sure ‘yung mindset niya kung paano siya maglaro, ‘yun talaga ‘yung isa sa mga hinahangaan ko sa kaniya,” Laure said.
“Of course ‘yung work ethic niya, siyempre kapag kasama mo si Ate Sisi parang hindi mo mafe-feel ‘yung pagod kasi alam mong may Ate Sisi.”
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Laure's upcoming participation in the AVC Challenge Cup, scheduled from May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, marks her return to the national team. She last donned the tricolors of the country back in the 2022 edition of the same tournament.
“Of course, siyempre excited naman ako lagi. Feeling ko parang lagi akong honored kasi siyempre flag ‘yan na binibitbit namin para makapaglaro against ibang ibang bansa na Pilipinas ‘yung dala mo. Siyempre masarap sa pakiramdam ‘yan lagi,” Laure said.
“Ayun lang, very excited and looking forward lang ako sa mga bago kong pwedeng makuhang experience.”