By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) named Thirdy Ravena and Jack Animam as Mr. and Ms. Basketball, the group also revealed their awardees for volleyball.
Bryan Bagunas and Cherry “Sisi” Rondina are to be awarded as PSA’s Mr. and Ms. Volleyball in recognition of their stellar careers from the national level to the international stage.
Bagunas, a former NU spiker, inked his name in the UAAP history books as the first NU player in the final four era to clinch an MVP award.
Bagunas’ contributions to the Philippine national team during international stints and the 30th Southeast Asian Games only bolstered his standing with the PSA.
Bagunas’ monstrous outing during the SEA Games drew a lot of attention and buzz in the international scene after playing consistently from the eliminations to the finals.
Meanwhile, Rondina, a former UST spiker, amassed 2 MVP’s in her final year with the school, dominating in both the indoor and outdoor events.
Also clinching the UAAP Athlete of the Year in collegiate team sports, Rondina again made history as the only female to notch the said award.
Moreover, her volleyball prowess was taken to the 30th SEA Games and helped the Philippines place third in the Beach Volleyball event, making it the first-ever medal finish in the sport for the country after 14 years.
