Brownlee pulls up to watch PVL games and ‘favorite’ Sisi Rondina

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee watching the PVL All-Filipino Conference games on Thursday. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Justin Brownlee was among the crowd during Thursday’s PVL All-Filipino Conference games at Philsports Arena.

And from one athlete to another, the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized reinforcement couldn’t help but marvel at the skills of Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina and other PVL players.

Rondina, in fact, is Brownlee’s favorite player.

READ: PVL: Sisi Rondina playing true to MVP form for Choco Mucho

“Not really [rooting for any team]. I do have a favorite player, Sisi Rondina. That’s one of my favorite player,” Brownlee told reporters after he arrived during the Farm Fresh-Petro Gazz match.

“I haven’t really got a chance to see her play in a while so I think, just coming to see her play, it would be nice. She’s all around, for real. She’s good at obviously, spiking the ball. She’s not one on the taller side but I think she’s just all around.”

Justin Brownlee watching the Farm Fresh-Petro Gazz game. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/5OQkeQ2NWj

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 14, 2024

It was Brownlee’s first time watching the PVL games, but he has known about Rondina’s skills since her time with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP and Petron in the defunct Philippine Superliga.

READ: Brownlee hopes to create more ‘moments [to] cherish’ with Gilas

“I haven’t seen her play, so I just want to come out and see some good volleyball matches,” he said.

And Rondina didn’t disappoint as she poured in 23 points in front of Asian Games hero Brownlee, leading Choco Mucho to 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 over Cignal.

Choco Mucho Flying Titan’s Sisi Rondina. –PVL PHOTO

“She’s amazing. Her explosiveness. The ball placement seems like every time she spikes, she can get a point. In this match, she’s been very dominant. This is a very exciting season,” the Gilas star said.

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho sweeps Cignal to stay unbeaten at 4-0

“[I’m to watch] both games. I’m just excited to see the women athletes perform and just see what they got,” he said. “I’m sure it’s gonna be entertaining so I’m just excited to see it.”

The 35-year-old Brownlee, who entertained the volleyball fans during his visit, is s aware of the popularity of the sport in the country.

“Whenever there’s a chance to, I [watch the games]. I know a few other players and I try to check their games out,” said Brownlee, who salutes the women athletes in celebration of the women’s international month. “I’m watching a lot though. It’s a very fun sport to watch.”