Choco Mucho keeps on rolling in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference and emergent libero Thang Ponce is a big part why.
The Flying Titans successfully conquered their sixth straight match, defeating skidding Petro Gazz, 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16, on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Ponce, the defensive leader of Choco Mucho, did one little tweak after the first frame that resulted in their momentum switch in the second sets onwards.
“Sabi nga ni coach yung problema natin is receive so ako pinasikip ko yung receive namin para wala silang [makitang butas] sa amin. Nagadjust lang kami,” said Ponce as they turned the game after a disastrous first set.
The Adamson University product elevated gameplay proved to work wonders for the Flying Titans, who have yet to lose a game since the opening day of the conference when they suffered a four-set defeat against Creamline.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin shared after the match a part of his conversation with Ponce that translated into the latter’s improved play.
Ponce finished with 20 digs and nine excellent receptions along with a rare point, an over-received ball that dropped inside the Angels’ court to send the game to match point.
“Sabi ko sa kanya na bibigyan siya ng chance. Kaya nung nabigyan siya ng chance talagang sabi ko huwag mo ng bibitawan yan hangga’t kaya mo, kung ano mang mangyari sayo talagang kakayanin mo yan,” recalled Alinsunurin.
“Bilib ako na kung ano man yung binigay sa kanyang kumpyansa nasusuklian nya, importante talagang nagdedeliver siya every game. Kasi doon kami nagsisimula sa floor defense namin, mas ginaganahan yung team namin pag nandiyan siya.”
Ponce, despite Alinsunurin being a man of few words, knows that her coach will always be there for her, and for that, she’s grateful and giving back with spectacular performances.
As of November 14, the joyful Ponce is leading the league in both receiving (48.91 percent efficiency) and digging (5.11 per set).
With Choco Mucho’s hot streak, it has grabbed a piece of the second spot along with Chery Tiggo, also at 6-1.
“Hindi lang siya nagsasalita pero nararamdaman ko na malaki yung tiwala niya sa akin,” said Ponce.
