Games Thursday:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
4 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Cignal (3rd Place)
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Choco Mucho (Finals)
MANILA — Since joining the Premier Volleyball League in 2019, Choco Mucho has yet to secure a victory against sister team Creamline in their nine encounters.
However, for Sisi Rondina, a crucial component of the Flying Titans’ championship aspirations, conquering the Cool Smashers is within reach as long as unity prevails.
Rondina emphasized, “I repeatedly say, that success is achieved through hard work, genuine determination, perseverance, and a collective desire. If we truly want it, we can strengthen our resolve with patience and dedication.”
Entering the Second All-Filipino Conference Finals as heavy underdogs, Choco Mucho faces Creamline in a best-of-three series starting today, expecting a substantial crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The championship opener kicks off at 6 p.m., following the third-place series between Cignal and Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m.
As Finals debutants, the Flying Titans guarantee their first podium finish, contrasting with the seasoned Cool Smashers, who have reached the championship round 10 times, clinching victory in six instances.
Their lone meeting in the season-ending tournament saw Creamline prevailing over Choco Mucho, 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21.
Despite the setback, the Flying Titans bounced back with a 10-game winning streak before facing a semifinal challenge against the HD Spikers.
Choco Mucho ultimately secured victory, including a Tuesday night triumph over Cignal, setting the stage for their first-ever title duel with Creamline.
While the Cool Smashers maintained dominance with an unbeaten run in the preliminaries and a set-free semis sweep of the Crossovers, Rondina dismisses statistics, asserting, “Creamline never backs down, but we’ll showcase what we’ve learned, how we’ve improved, and what we’re capable of.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Deanna Wong, who has forged strong connections with Rondina and Kat Tolentino, the Flying Titans gear up for a challenging championship round against the formidable Cool Smashers.
Alyssa Valdez regained her form after an injury that sidelined her late last year. Bernadette Pons, Rondina’s erstwhile teammate in the national beach volleyball team, has proved to be a reliable hitter coming off the bench.
What’s amazing for the Cool Smashers is they reached this far even without Jia de Guzman and Ced Domingo, who are currently plying their wares overseas.
“We’ve been through a lot without ate Jia and Celine,” said Tots Carlos, one of the Creamline’s main offensive weapons. “But we’re pleased we’re here (in the Finals). Yung collective effort ng team maganda yung kinalabasan and also we’re just happy na si Kyle (Negrito) nag-step up din sa game and she knows what to do.”
“Masaya kami kasi pasok na kami sa Finals but yun nga. di pa dun nagtatapos one game at a time, one-point at a time,” she added.
(ai/mnm)
