Sisi Rondina did it all for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans--pain and all--during the team's five-set win over the Nxled Chameleons in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The final whistle blew, and Sisi Rondina couldn’t hold back her tears.
It wasn’t just the thrill of victory after Choco Mucho’s grueling five-set comeback against Nxled—it was also the sheer exhaustion and the pain in her knees catching up to her.
“Umiyak na lang ako pagkatapos kasi sobrang sakit na talaga ng tuhod ko,” Rondina admitted to reporters after the match. “Hindi na siya ‘yung tipong nato-tolerate ko eh. Kailangan magpahinga ng maayos and babawi ulit.”
For nearly three hours, Rondina put her body on the line, refusing to let up despite Nxled’s relentless challenge.
The superstar outside hitter finished with a triple-double of 23 points, 19 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions, proving once again why she's a PVL MVP for a reason.
Despite being a constant target of Nxled’s defensive schemes, Rondina found a way to keep Choco Mucho afloat, adjusting on the fly and anchoring the team’s back-row defense when needed.
“Hangga't kaya kong dumipensa, gagawan ko ng paraan kung paano ako maka-receive ng maganda,” said Rondina. “Hangga't nasa likod ako, wala akong naiisip kung hindi, tutulungan ko sa likod and parang minamanduhan ko ‘yung team na tulungan tayo.”
Nxled’s well-thought gameplan initially disrupted Choco Mucho’s rhythm, forcing them into difficult situations. But when it mattered most, the Flying Titans showed their poise, flipping the script late in the match to secure their 7th win in the conference.
[ALSO READ: Royse Tubino provides ‘Never Say Die’ attitude for Choco Mucho in five-set escape vs Nxled]
Rondina credited their defensive adjustments as the turning point, noting how the team managed to break through Nxled’s pressure in the closing moments.
“Patibayan na lang talaga and patiyagaan ng pasensya,” she reflected. “Nagka-receive kami sa bandang dulo, kaya naka-diskarte. ‘Yun naman ‘yung naging key namin kung bakit nag-iba ‘yung laro—kasi nagka-depensa kami.”
Despite the physical struggles, Rondina remained laser-focused on helping the Flying Titans secure a Top 4 finish heading into the qualifying round.
With the playoffs just ahead, Rondina knows the battle is far from over. But if there’s one thing certain, it’s that she’ll keep pushing—pain and all—until the very last point.