PVL: Sisi Rondina roots for Creamline despite bronze within reach

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ star Sisi Rondina in the PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal game. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho can secure the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze medal if Petro Gazz completes a series sweep of Creamline in Finals Game 2, thanks to superior match points in the FIVB tiebreak system.

However, Sisi Rondina would rather face Akari in a deciding Game 3, hoping for her sister team Creamline to keep its drive for five alive.

PVL: Sisi Rondina powers Choco Mucho closer to bronze finish

After a five-set meltdown in Game 1, Choco Mucho bounced back with a 25-18, 25-22, 27-29, 25-19 victory over Akari on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, thanks to Rondina’s 26-point explosion, ending their four-game skid.

If Creamline beats Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho and Akari will face off one last time on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

Choco Mucho can bring home the bronze if Petro Gazz completes a Finals sweep.

But Sisi Rondina prays for Game 3 and the success of their sister team, Creamline. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/KVLfgEQzXw

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 10, 2025

Rondina, a former league MVP, is more than willing to play another game and cheer for the Cool Smashers.

“We’re hoping and praying that Creamline wins later so everything turns out well,” said Rondina in Filipino.

“Of course, we’re cheering for Creamline! We’ve even got balloons ready to show our support.”

Sisi Rondina and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans during the PVL All-Filipino Conference battle for bronze match vs Akari Chargers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Rondina remains confident that the Flying Titans can still clinch the bronze, even if it means playing one more match.

“I believe in my team. And no matter what the outcome is, like they say, don’t overthink the future because it can trap you—just stay in the present. But if we’re going to talk about it, I would never doubt or turn my back on my team. For me, we can do it because I truly believe in us,” she said.

SCHEDULE: 2025 PVL All-Filipino Finals – Creamline vs Petro Gazz

After winning 10 straight games from the preliminary round to the quarterfinals, the Flying Titans lost all three of their semifinal games, failing to reach the championship round for the third consecutive year.

Winning their first bronze would mean everything for Rondina after a long season.

“An achievement is an achievement, no matter where we end up. I’m so proud because many people admire what we have now, playing in the Battle for Bronze and the Finals. We’re going to cherish this moment and we’ll never let it go. It’s so rewarding to come home with something, even if it’s a different color. For me, every time I get a medal, I bring it back to Cebu and give it to my dad when he picks me up. That’s something I always do,” Rondina said.

“A podium is a podium, and it’s the result of everyone’s hard work. We have no regrets. Like they always say, everything happens for a reason, and we’ll wait for that reason. This is what we’ve been given, and there will be many more opportunities ahead.”