PASSI, ILOILO — Choco Mucho executed flawlessly against Chery Tiggo, securing a 25-18, 25-23, 26-24 victory to close out the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with six straight wins on Saturday at the City of Passi Arena here.
The Flying Titans will enter the qualifying round with an 8-3 record, tying the Cignal HD Spikers (25 points) and PLDT High Speed Hitters (23 points). However, with only 20 match points, Choco Mucho will settle for the No. 5 seed.
In the one-game qualifier for a quarterfinal berth, Choco Mucho will once again face Chery Tiggo, which finished eighth due to an inferior match point total (14) compared to Farm Fresh and Akari (15 each).
“Sabi ko sa players ko kahit anong mangyari dito, kailangan natin makuha ‘tong game na ‘to kasi malaking tulong ‘to sa atin para sa next round, and nag-respond naman sila nung first set,” said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
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Choco Mucho reached match point at 24-22 following a sharp crosscourt hit, but consecutive errors from Mars Alba and Dindin Manabat momentarily kept Chery Tiggo alive.
However, the Flying Titans quickly shut the door, with Sisi Rondina and Manabat delivering back-to-back hits to seal the victory in one hour and 44 minutes.
The Flying Titans also displayed composure in the second set after Chery Tiggo built a 22-19 advantage.
Rondina sparked the comeback with consecutive attacks, while Cherry Nunag and Alba helped push Choco Mucho ahead, 23-22.
The 5-foot-6 Cebuana then capped the rally with a clutch block on Shaya Adorador, securing the 25-23 win in the second frame.
Rondina spearheaded Choco Mucho’s offense with 20 points, while Isa Molde contributed across the board with 15 points, 15 digs, and eight receptions.
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No Chery Tiggo player reached double figures, with Ara Galang leading the Crossovers with nine points.
Iloilo City’s own Cess Robles added eight, while Pauline Gaston chipped in seven as their team dropped to 5-6, finishing eighth in the standings.
