MANILA — The Choco Mucho Flying Titans once again proved their resilience in five-set matches, overcoming a four-point deficit in the decisive frame to defeat the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13, securing a spot in the PVL All Filipino Conference semifinals.
Sisi Rondina was the hero, delivering the match-winning crosscourt kill to PLDT’s backrow, capping off a brilliant performance with 21 points, 18 attacks, 18 receptions, and two aces. “We were exhausted, but we never gave up,” said Rondina, reflecting on the team’s never-say-die spirit.
Mars Alba also made a significant impact, with 22 excellent sets, including a pivotal smash that broke a 13-13 deadlock in the fifth set. “I gained confidence from practicing those spikes,” said Alba, who also contributed seven points and two aces.
The Flying Titans have now won seven consecutive five-set matches this conference, taking advantage of PLDT’s mistakes and the explosive 34-point performance by Savi Davison, who despite her efforts, couldn’t prevent Choco Mucho’s comeback.
Honey Royse Tubino added 15 points, 13 digs, and two blocks, while Isa Molde and Maika Ortiz contributed eight and seven points, respectively. “We’re excited to return to the semifinals and will now focus on scouting our next opponent,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Choco Mucho dominated the opening set but struggled in the second, where PLDT came back strong, leveling the match. In the third, the Flying Titans regained control with help from Rondina and Molde, who pushed the lead to four, before a series of clutch plays by PLDT, including a stunning crosscourt strike from Fiola Mae Ceballos, evened the score.
The fifth set saw an early 4-0 lead from PLDT, but attack errors from Davison allowed the Flying Titans to fight back. After a tense exchange of points, Alba, Deanna Wong, and Rondina sealed the win, finishing off PLDT’s higher-seeded squad to advance to the semifinals.
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