Choco Mucho is finally heading to the Premier Volleyball League Finals after seven conferences of heartbreaks, pain, and suffering.
And the man that led the Flying Titans to the Big Dance was first-year head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Choco Mucho showed nerves of steel to outlast Cignal in Game 3 of the All-Filipino Conference semifinals, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23.
It now advances to the franchise’s first-ever championship round appearance on Tuesday night.
While Alinsunurin was widely credited for the success the Flying Titans have achieved in this conference, all he did was reignite the fire in his players.
“Hindi (na ako nagulat na nakapag-Finals kami). Lahat naman ng players ko, kung iisipin, lahat sila galing sa champion teams eh. Talagang nandoon na eh,” said the calm mentor on the composition of his team.
“Siguro, ako lang yung naging dahilan para pagsama samahin ulit o ibalik sa kanila yung kung ano yung meron sila dati.”
Six of the Flying Titans roster were former Ateneo Lady Eagles – namely Jem Ferrer, Denden Revilla, Kat Tolentino, Maddie Madayag, Bea De Leon, and Deanna Wong. They have won championships in the UAAP.
Sisi Rondina and Caitlin Viray were part of the UAAP Season 81 runner-up University of Santo Tomas, gaining valuable experience playing in the title series.
Maika Ortiz, meanwhile, was part of the last Golden Tigresses squad that won the crown back in 2010.
Middle blocker Aduke Ogunsanya, as well as injured Des Cheng, came from the De La Salle University dynasty in the UAAP.
Backup wing spiker Regine Arocha was also a perennial champion in the NCAA, being part of the three-peat Arellano Lady Chiefs in Seasons 92 to 94. She became the Finals MVP in the last two runs.
Even Cherry Nunag, who came from DLSU-Dasmariñas, was a three-time titleholder in the National Capital Region Athletics Association.
Now, Choco Mucho will face the Creamline Cool Smashers, a constant fixture in the PVL podium in all 13 conferences they’ve played.
Against their sister team, Alinsunurin looks to give the Flying Titans their first win in 10 total match-ups.
For the decorated men’s volley tactician, it will boil down to how well they communicate on and off the floor.
“Importante kasi yung nagiging connection na namin sa bawat players. Dapat meron kaming bigayan, hindi lang naman as a coach ako, di lang ako dapat yung nasusunod dapat yung players din,” he said.
“Kung ano yung ififeed nila sa akin, o kung ano yung ibibigay nila sa akin, tinatanggap ko. Kung ano man yung finefeed ko sakanila, tinatanggap nila.”
Game 1 will be on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at 6:00 PM.
