OPENING night was Brooke Van Sickle’s night.
Still, the Petro Gazz superstar made it a point to give her fellow MVP Sisi Rondina her flowers for yet another ‘phenomenal’ performance.
The Premier Volleyball League's (PVL) last two All-Filipino Conference MVPs raised the curtains of the league’s longest season yet and did not disappoint.
READ: Van Sickle drops 34 in Petro Gazz's four-set win over Choco Mucho
Van Sickle’s Angels had the last laugh, led by her 34-point showing compared to 18 markers for the returning Rondina, who was coming off a conference-long absence to fulfill Alas Pilipinas duties.
Over the last few battles they’ve shared, the Fil-American spiker has always been in awe of Rondina’s high-flying exploits, leaving the former to ask one question that those who’ve followed the latter's career from University of Santo Tomas and back could relate to.
“Sisi’s just Sisi. The first time that I ever played her, I just remember, and I know other players have said this too, but she’s just phenomenal. She’s amazing. It’s just crazy,” Van Sickle said.
“I remember she went to hit a ball and I was sitting there like, ‘How’s someone so small jumping so high?’ It’s just impressive. She’s just a powerhouse.”
Cherry is the bomb
Beyond the impressive skillset, Rondina's attitude also carries just as much weight.
That's why Van Sickle continues to be amazed by the 'Cherry Bomb's' no-quit spirit - the very same attitude that paved the path for the Alas star to vault over the competition as one of the country's most complete aces.
“That girl has grit, determination. I’ve watched all the games when scouting. Even watching all the past conferences, she doesn’t give up. Sure, she might have a slow start, but she doesn’t care. She’ll just come back. She’s just that kind of player," Van Sickle said.
The Petro Gazz star furthered, “Hats off to her. I super respect her. She’s amazing. Today’s not their day, but they’re gonna come back bouncing back, so definitely, we’ll see more of them, for sure.”
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