Choco Mucho mustered enough strength to power through a 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11 victory over ZUS Coffee, taking the next step in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference play-in stage on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre.
The seventh-ranked Flying Titans will next face No. 6 Akari Chargers in the next phase of the stepladder play-ins on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Bago pa mag-umpisa ng game, sinabi ko na sa kanila na all-out na tayo, kasi wala nang bukas. Ayun nga, ito nangyari, sinubukan nga kami hanggang dulo. Nakuha namin ‘yung game and pagdating nung fourth set and fifth set, nakuha namin ‘yung game,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
(C) PVL Images
After being crushed in the third set, 25-13, the Flying Titans showed their resilience by thrashing the Thunderbelles 25-11 in the fourth set to level the match at two sets apiece.
From there, the momentum never shifted. Eya Laure, Sisi Rondina, and Maddie Madayag combined efforts to give Choco Mucho a commanding 12-5 lead in the deciding set.
Although Kate Santiago tried to turn the tide for ZUS Coffee, Kat Tolentino and Rondina were there to put the finishing touches, sealing the win in one hour and 57 minutes.
Rondina led the charge with 27 points, built on 26 attacks, along with 15 excellent receptions and 10 digs.
Madayag also went on a rampage, scoring 19 points on 14-of-22 attacks, plus three blocks and two aces. Laure then added 13 points in four sets played.
Deanna Wong delivered 24 excellent sets, while Kat Tolentino contributed 12 points and 10 digs.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Thunderbelles struggled to find their footing throughout the tournament, winning only one game in 10 matches.
Their wing spikers failed to make a significant impact, leaving middle blockers Riza Nogales and Thea Gagate to lead the team with 16 and 12 points, respectively.
