Sisi Rondina once again proved why she is one of Philippine volleyball’s fiercest competitors after leading Choco Mucho to a dramatic Game One comeback win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals last Saturday at the Philsports Arena.

Despite PLDT’s Savi Davison fending off three match points in a gripping fifth-set tiebreaker, it was Rondina who had the final say. A powerful off-the-block hit sealed the Flying Titans’ hard-fought victory, securing a 31-point performance from the high-flying captain.

The showdown between Rondina and Davison lived up to its billing as a heavyweight duel, with Rondina amassing 29 attacks and two aces, while Davison posted 25 points in a valiant effort for the High Speed Hitters.

More than just taking the lead in the quarterfinals series, Rondina acknowledged the challenge posed by Davison and credited her rival for pushing her to perform at her best to secure the 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 victory.

“Savi (Davison) is incredible. She’s a different kind of player. I’ve learned so much from her every time we face off, especially when we’re matched up against each other. It really pushes me to improve.”

“Her improvement is remarkable. She’s already an elite player, and it’s amazing when I manage to receive her attacks because, wow, she hits so hard!”

The former PVL Most Valuable Player openly admitted that she considers Davison her toughest challenge on the court, regardless of the outcome of their matchups.

“You know, I’m proud to admit it, my coach [Dante Alinsunurin] would admit it too, I really struggle against Savi,” Rondina confessed.

“But of course, we make sure to show her and everyone else that we can compete at the highest level.”

While Rondina has been consistently pitted against foreign standouts like Davison and Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, she has never felt inferior. Height, strength, or reputation does not faze her — only the drive to keep competing.

“I know I have teammates who will back me up. I don’t care who’s on the other side. Whatever happens, I’ll fight.”

“As long as I can jump and play, I’ll give it my all.”

With Game 2 set for Thursday, PLDT is expected to make key adjustments to force a sudden-death showdown. But with Choco Mucho carrying the momentum and Rondina’s indomitable spirit leading the charge, the Flying Titans are determined to complete their march to the semifinals.