Van Sickle 34PTS Agad sa Opening Day! 1st win of Petro vs Rondina. Sisi, Hindi Ramdam? Aiza KWEENING

PVL: Sisi Rondina looks forward to face-off with fellow beach volley player Brooke Van Sickle

Sisi Rondina is gearing up for a showdown with Brooke Van Sickle when Choco Mucho guns for its second straight win versus Petro Gazz in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Brooke Van Sickle (left) and Sisi Rondina (right) will test each other’s mettle for the first time when Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz collide in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 27. | Photo (c) PVL and RM Chua

Sisi Rondina powered Choco Mucho past Nxled in straight sets to open its 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign on a strong note Thursday, Feb. 22.

Rondina delivered on both ends, turning in a double-double of 17 points and 10 digs as the Flying Titans bucked the absence of main setter Deanna Wong while spoiling the Chameleons debut of Ivy Lacsina, 25-12, 25-22, 25-18.

Choco Mucho is targeting a 2-0 mark when they return on the court on Tuesday, Feb. 27. But getting in their way is a retooled Petro Gazz squad, led by Filipina-American sensation Brooke Van Sickle.

Not one to back away from a challenge, Rondina is raring for a showdown.

Of what kind, you might ask.

“Sa ganda? Joke lang!” reigning Most Valuable Player Rondina quipped.

Turning serious, the 5-foot-6 University of Santo Tomas product is thrilled to face off against someone who holds the same resume – Van Sickle’s playing experience lists both that of the taraflex and the sands.

Van Sickle played indoor volleyball for the University of Oregon for two seasons, and then competed in beach volleyball for another season.

The 24-year-old outside spiker moved to the University of Hawaii afterwards. There, she earned All-America honors in both indoor and on the sands.

Van Sickle then had a brief professional stint with AEL Limassol in Cyprus before joining Petro Gazz.

In less than a month with the Angels, the US NCAA Division I product has already collected a championship and an MVP plum in the PNVF Champions League.

[ALSO READ: Brooke Van Sickle overcomes jitters for triumphant PVL debut]

“Siyempre, alam ko mas marami siyang experience kasi pareho yata kami. Beach volley nilalaro niya and indoor,” said Rondina.

Squaring off with Van Sickle will be a valuable learning experience for Rondina, a perennial representative of Philippine beach volleyball in overseas tilts.

“Looking forward na madepensahan ko ‘yung atake niya and alam ko may matutunan din ako sa kanya lalong lalo na pagdating sa atake,” the multi-time UAAP beach volleyball champion said.