Choco Mucho finds itself in an early slump after a strong opening win was followed by back-to-back losses, stalling the momentum many expected from the Flying Titans this conference.
The team had paraded a retooled roster highlighted by the return of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure.
Despite a strong opening victory over Akari, the Flying Titans stumbled in their next two outings against Cignal and Creamline, with lapses on both offense and defense surfacing early in the season.
Things took a turn for the worse when Laure reaggravated a groin and abdominal strain during their clash against the Cool Smashers, abruptly cutting her night short and compounding Choco Mucho’s early-season struggles.
However, head coach Dante Alinsunurin and ace spiker Rondina remain hopeful that Laure can make a swift return. Both also asserted their shared belief that the Flying Titans can bounce back despite early adversity.
(C) PVL Images
“Okay naman siya,” Alinsunurin said after the loss to Creamline.
“Dati naman na talaga niyang problema yung groin niya, and may strain na rin yun sa abs. I think napuwersa lang din yun kanina. But tomorrow, meron siyang check-up. Hopefully, makabalik siya next game,” Rondina added.
According to Alinsunurin, the back-to-back losses highlighted areas the team still needs to improve on — and emphasized that adapting to whatever challenges come their way will be key moving forward.
Rondina echoed her coach’s sentiments, admitting that the team sometimes gets impatient. It’s something they know they must address while they continue building chemistry and consistency.
“Sa nangyari sa dalawang talo namin, malinaw na nakita namin yung pagkakamali namin. Kung ano man yung gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court, doon talaga napatunayan na kailangan gawin talaga,” the veteran coach said.
“Same lang din sa sagot ni coach. Nawawalan… Naiinip lang siguro kami. May mga bagay na nakukuha na sana namin yung rhythm, pero nakakalimutan namin na yung lahat ng gustong mangyari ni coach is effective, pero hindi namin nagagawa,” Rondina added.
“Yun din yung pagtutuunan namin ng pansin — na kailangan namin matutunan yun.”
