Alonday Triumphs Over all of Medellin
Amidst the strong gusts of wind and light rain, the table tennis tournament for season 12 of the Medellin School’s Athletic Association (MSAA) persisted. Highlighting the likes of scitechian Khrisna Alonday, as she successfully built her path towards a championship with a perfect 4-0 record spearheaded by her masterful chops and unmatched energy at the Medellin Central School Gabaldon Building this October 26, 2024.
Following her dominant win against Almacen’s Palacio in the semi-finals, she sat comfortably waiting for her final opponent, only to find that Palacio had crawled her way back from the lower bracket to face Alonday once again. However, she remained unfazed, she has beaten her once and will beat her again. Proving herself to be the school’s proud young prodigy after facing her opponent head on without hesitation.
The air inside the building was as tense as it was cold, but things would begin to electrify and heat up as Alonday jogged in place waiting for her match. Going up against a familiar opponent she wasted no time by attacking and defending with her mastery over chops, but Palacio was able to replicate her resolve as both were at a stalemate of (5-5) early on.
Alonday was a 2nd placer from last year’s MSAA and this year it’s clearly a matter of redemption. It is not simply about winning a tournament for her school, but more so convincing herself that she has what it takes to evolve her skills, adapt to her opponents, and be in a league of her own.
Late in the first set, Alonday began to commit errors as their stalemate of (7-7) turned into a four point deficit for the scitechian (7-11) shockingly losing the first set. However, she remained calm and vigilant as she aced her way through the second set with an instant (8-1) lead, shifting the momentum of the game to her side. Palacio’s energy then began to silence as Alonday’s championship hopes grew louder.
Palacio completely fell for Alonday’s antics during the second set, both athletes clearly want that championship title for themselves and it is only a matter of who wants it more, but as far as the room is concerned Alonday is the hungrier athlete. As she went off in the second, not allowing Palacio a moment to rest and finishing the half-way mark as quickly as it started (11-4).
With a title and a provincial meet spot on the line, both athletes grabbed their rackets with no words uttered and continued on with the final set of the game. They were evenly matched at the start, going (3-3) but Alonday was able to win a massive rally with a sudden loop that gave her the advantage and set the tone for the rest of the game.
After discovering her moxie, Alonday never looked back. Attacking vigorously and smoothly at the same time in hopes to finally secure that championship. She began to commit less errors and grew more and more confident with her racket in hand. Her push and drives successfully connected in sync with the smile forming on her face, winning the set (11-5) and triumphing over the schools here in Medellin.
“I went into training for the MSAA thinking I’d probably finish last, and honestly, my only goal was to avoid that. I’m really thankful for my coaches and the older teammates who helped me along the way. I didn’t expect this result at all, but I had a great time playing,” Alonday expressed.
Khrisna Alonday’s impressive victory solidifies her place as the champion, and she’s now set to represent Medellin at the provincial meet. Her journey from doubt to success is a true inspiration, showcasing her hard work and determination.
Via: Franc Medrozo | The Chronicles
Photo by: Hearty Alub
