BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Choco Mucho took out the Jorelle Singh-led PLDT in four sets, 28-26, 10-25, 27-25, 25-11, to pick up its first victory in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference on Wednesday here at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center.
Up by just three points after the first technical timeout, the Flying Titans put up a huge 14-2 run to move ahead, 22-7, in the fourth set.
A double contact violation from Deanna Wong kick-started a 3-0 blitz for the Power Hitters, cutting the deficit to just 12, 10-22.
However, an error from PLDT’s side and an ace from Bea De Leon pulled Choco Mucho at the match-point.
Eli Soyud tried to keep things going for the Power Hitters but a Kim Gequillana kill sealed the 25-11 fourth set win.
“Sobrang excited namin nung Sunday pa gusto na namin mag laro siguro inano lang ni Lord para maging safe pero yun nga we’re really excited now it’s our first game, marami pang dapat ayusin alam niyo naman after one and a half year ito lang yung unang laro namin,” said Choco Mucho tactician Oliver Almadro.
Kat Tolentino and De Leon were the lone double-digit scorers for the Flying Titans with 18 points apiece.
Denden Lazaro-Revilla manned the floor with 24 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions while Deanna Wong dished out 26 sets and scored four points for the Rebisco-backed squad which now has a 1-0 card.
PLDT threatened to take the opening set after sending it do a deuce, but after back and forth swing, Kat Tolentino and Regine Arocha made sure to give Choco Mucho a 1-0 advantage through successive hits in the 28-26 win.
Jorelle Singh made quite an impact for the Power Hitters, taking charge in the 23-10 rally before scoring one to pull her side at match-point. An error from the side of the Flying Titans evened the game at 1-1 for PLDT, 25-10.
Choco Mucho, after a lackluster third set, escaped PLDT in the fourth with a tight 27-25 win to go up with a 2-1 lead.
“Maraming kailangan iadjust and kailangan pa naming pataasin yung level namin because mataas yung level ng tournament. Kailangan mag achieve kami nang mag achieve at kailangan mag level up every game,” he added.
Isa Molde finished with 19 points, 23 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions while Singh also posted 19 markers for the Power Hitters.
PLDT picked up its third straight loss in as many outings.
Choco Mucho will go up next against Sta. Lucia on Friday at 3:00 PM while PLDT will have a three-day break before taking on Black Mamba-Army on Monday at 6:00 PM.
