Sisi represents 'Filipino volleyball' – Davison

IN a highly anticipated duel of scoring machines Savi Davison of PLDT and Sisi Rondina of Choco Mucho, the two gunners indeed put on a show after a cardiac five-setter match in the Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference best-of-three quarterfinals.

Choco Mucho emerged victorious banking on Rondina's triple-double performance of 31 points, 15 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions, stunning PLDT via reverse sweep, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, on Saturday night.

The Filipino Canadian hitter poured 25 markers along with 19 excellent receptions but fell short to finish the Flying Titans.

Despite a heated duel of the two, great appreciates great.

For Davison, she highlighted the difference between her and Rondina as the 5-foot-6 high-flying gunner represents the type of "Filipino volleyball."

"I think we play differently. She represents I think Philippine volleyball. Very crafty, very beachy, very all-around good player. And I think, you know I don't have the opportunity to see myself play, like, so I couldn't tell you what kind of player I am but I think when you put us together. ... It's like putting me and Brooke (Van Sickle) together. We are just different players that know how to score," she said after a stinging five-set loss.

"Credits to her for leaping high. Watching it? It's a different story. I think she has definitely hops over me. But you know, it's okay."

In the deciding set, Rondina and Davison traded blows that forced the match to be on its third deadlock, 16-all.

But it was Dell Palomata's service error that went too wide that allowed the Flying Titans to capitalize, making Rondina hammer a strong crosscourt hit and finish the match, 18-16.

"I mean, she always brings it. She's always a great player. Regardless if it's prelims, playoffs, finals I think she's always gonna show up. That's the type of person she is. She was just a little ... extra fiery today. She was able to break out blocks and score when we're not paying full attention."

PLDT now looks to tie the series in its next clash against Choco Mucho on March 20 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.