Filipina volleyball superstar Sisi Rondina recently returned a heartfelt compliment to Petro Gazz’s American standout, Brooke Van Sickle, by humbly claiming that the Petro Gazz player is “way better.” This mutual admiration highlights the bond these two talented athletes have built, both on and off the court, while competing in the highly competitive Premier Volleyball League (PVL) in the Philippines.
Mutual respect between PVL MVPs 🤝
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 13, 2024
Sisi Rondina returns Brooke Van Sickle's recent compliment, saying the Petro Gazz star is "way better."
"Ang masasabi ko rin sa kaniya (BVS), kung ano 'yung sinabi niya sa 'kin, mas sobra pa siya do'n." #PVL2025 | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/ZJ9Jx1NgSY
Brooke Van Sickle, who has been turning heads as part of the Petro Gazz Angels, has openly expressed her admiration for Sisi Rondina. Known for her remarkable athleticism, Van Sickle called Rondina “phenomenal and amazing,” praising her powerful high-leaping abilities, which seem almost superhuman given her shorter stature.
What makes Rondina stand out, Van Sickle noted, is her incredible grit and relentless fighting spirit. “Despite her size, she plays with such strength and determination. It’s something everyone can learn from,” Van Sickle shared in a recent interview.
Sisi Rondina, a former PVL MVP and current Choco Mucho Flying Titans star, responded to Van Sickle’s admiration with humility and grace. In a media interview, she described Van Sickle as the “better” player, acknowledging the American star’s immense talent and expressing her happiness at being noticed by such a formidable opponent.
Rondina’s response highlighted the mutual respect between the two, reflecting a shared understanding of the discipline and dedication required to reach the top in volleyball. “Ang masasabi ko rin sa kaniya (Brooke Van Sickle), kung ano ‘yung sinabi niya sa ‘kin, mas sobra pa siya do’n. Siyempre, masaya para sa ‘kin na gano’n ‘yung nakikita niya sa paglalaro ko,” Rondina said in Tagalog, emphasizing how honored she felt.
Beyond the public compliments, Rondina and Van Sickle have been communicating in private, trading tips to help one another improve their skills. Rondina shared that she and Van Sickle regularly chat, with the American seeking advice on how to improve her jumping technique. This friendly mentorship shows the camaraderie that can develop even among fierce competitors.
“Nagka-chat kami niyan, eh. Sabi niya kung ano daw ginagawa ko para tumaas ‘yung talon ko. So sine-sendan ko naman siya ng mga videos, ‘eto ‘yung mga ginagawa ko,” Rondina shared, adding with a laugh that she made sure to send her instructions in English for Van Sickle. “Ito ‘yung ginagawa ko, sana makatulong sa ‘yo. So ‘yon, nagpasalamat din siya,” she added.
In their recent matchup, Van Sickle’s Petro Gazz Angels triumphed over Sisi Rondina’s Choco Mucho Flying Titans, with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, and 25-16, held at the Philsports Arena. Despite the defeat, Rondina remains optimistic, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and an indication of how competitive the PVL has become.
She acknowledged that the level of play in the PVL is unpredictable, with each team having the potential to win. “Yung sa laro naman namin, talo. Tanggap naman namin. May mga natutunan kami do’n na mai-improve pa namin sa mga susunod na games namin,” she remarked.
With this mindset, Sisi Rondina and the Flying Titans are already gearing up for their next game against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the FilOil EcoOil Arena on Thursday, November 14. This match is an important chance for the Flying Titans to showcase their resilience and apply the lessons they’ve learned from the opener against Petro Gazz.
This back-and-forth admiration and high level of competition underscore the rising popularity of volleyball in the Philippines. The PVL has become one of the country’s most-watched sports leagues, attracting top local and international players. The league's dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere adds to its appeal, making each match exciting for fans and players alike. Teams are often so evenly matched that predicting the outcome of a game is a challenge.
For fans, this unpredictability adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for those interested in sports betting. Volleyball betting has gained popularity alongside the sport’s growth in the Philippines, with platforms like OKBet making it easier for fans to engage by betting on their favorite teams and players.
For those passionate about the Premier Volleyball League and looking to turn their predictions into winnings, OKBet stands out as Asia’s trusted online sports betting platform. OKBet offers comprehensive coverage of PVL games, complete with real-time updates, odds, and insights, allowing fans to place bets with confidence.
Sports betting on OKBet not only enhances the viewing experience but also allows fans to engage with the game on a whole new level. Whether it’s predicting the outcome of a match or betting on individual player performance, OKBet provides a secure, user-friendly environment for volleyball enthusiasts to get closer to the game they love. Sign up today!
