Choco Mucho came close, but it was not enough, as the defending champion Creamline showcased its composure in Game 1 of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday night.
However, Sisi Rondina and the rest of the Flying Titans were not newbies to this scenario.
It was still fresh in their minds when Cignal took Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series, but Choco Mucho rallied to win the next two games and reach its first-ever Finals.
That epic fightback is what the Flying Titans will cling to as they enter the do-or-die Game 2 on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Dante, hindi pa tapos ang laban, at nakuha nga namin yung semis na—yung semis namin, and I think kaya naman naming makabawi.
“At siguro pagandahin lang ‘yan ng mindset and recovery,” said Rondina, the star of Choco Mucho.
The pocket-sized, high-leaping open spiker finished with 17 points and 19 excellent receptions. Still, they fell short to the much-experienced Cool Smashers, 23-25, 25-19, 24-26, 22-25.
In the semis, the HD Spikers were the first to score, winning in five sets in Game 1. Then the Flying Titans equalized with a straight-sets blowout in Game 2.
They later advanced to the title round with a four-set escape in Game 3 last Tuesday.
And even with their backs against the wall now, Choco Mucho will face Game 2 in high spirits with the belief that they did well in the opener.
“Siyempre masaya kami sa naging performance namin kanina, even though hindi namin nakuha yung Game 1. But still, andoon parin yung palaban na aura ng team,” said the 5-foot-6 Cebuana.
“Sinabi din ng mga coaches namin kanina na they’re very proud and I think, yun na yun. Hindi pa naman tapos yung laban, and lalaban parin kami,” she continued.
