Rondina, Viray relish reunion

It's just like the old times for college teammates Sisi Rondina and Caitlyn Viray.

The University of Santo Tomas products are making good music together in starting roles for the surging Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

Reunited on the taraflex floor after four years, their presence in the Flying Titans has brought excitement and good results for the unbeaten crowd darlings, putting them in a good position for a semifinals ticket.

Choco Mucho currently holds a 2-0 win-loss record at the top spot in Pool B.

Viray was just happy to once again have Rondina, who was recruited by the Flying Titans during the offseason, by her side.

"I'm happy. It brings back fond memories during our UST days, Ate Sisi until now is the loudest. Even during training, she's the one breaking the ice, talking, and always loud. She's the energizer during training. Some things never change," Viray said.

The two shared a couple of beach volleyball titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and were instrumental in the Tigresses' runner-up finish in women's indoor volleyball back in 2019.

Rondina and Viray lead the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored squad on offense, averaging in double figures as the Flying Titans swept past expansion teams Farm Fresh and Foton.

Rondina averaged 16.5 points per game and Viray, who has been thriving in the opposite spot as a starter, normed 10 per outing.

"I appreciate her (Viray). I'm happy to see her in Choco Mucho. You can see the level of her game. I think she has gained and accepted all the learnings and experiences she had in the past tournaments. Cait is a great player," Rondina said.

"I hope she continues working hard and I'm just here to assist her the best way I can… but just not on money," Rondina joked.

Alinsunurin has been fielding Viray as a starter in their first two assignments while putting Kat Tolentino as a substitute.

"I'm happy with her performance. She deserves her position because she returns the trust we give her," he said.

Rondina, on the other hand, proved to be the missing piece in the star-studded club to become a legitimate title contender.

"Happy and overwhelmed. I'm still adjusting to coach Dante's system and I trust his program. I try to do all the things that he wants me to do," Rondina said on playing under the multi-titled mentor.

"I embrace my role as one of the team's leaders inside the court. Happy playing for a champion coach. So, this is what it feels like."

Rondina and Viray will once again have the spotlight when hostilities resume on 11 July after more than a week's break as the league gives way to the country's hosting of the Men's Volleyball Nations League starting tomorrow.

Choco Mucho plays F2 Logistics in a clash of unbeaten teams at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.