The Choco Mucho-F2 Logistics game that capped the group stages of the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference was a much-anticipated affair.
Besides the two squads meeting for the first time in their respective histories, it was also the first time Des Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya faced off against their former team.
But for the 25-year-old Cheng, she did not mind the hype around it as she was laser-focused in helping the Flying Titans secure the last remaining twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs.
“Super happy kasi because it was not really about yung pagiging former teammates ko with them but we are fighting for the twice-to-beat because very important sa amin yun e,” she said.
“I’m really happy that we were able to do our job.”
Cheng though had a rough start in the game that resulted in her being called back to the bench by Oliver Almadro during the tail-end of the opening set.
The 5-foot-8 outside hitter only returned to the game in the third set. And it was her turning point as she was able to see the game from a different perspective while she was on the sidelines.
More importantly, Cheng was able to compose herself.
“It’s a good thing na nilabas ako ni Coach O [Almadro] kasi aligaga ako nung first set,” she admitted. “So parang feeling ko, too much information like ineexpect ko dito sila pupunta. But then, situational.
“Nung nasa labas ako, nakita ko kung paano gumalaw yung kalaban namin at gumalaw teammates. Nung binalik ako, alam ko na gagalawin ko.”
During the fourth set, it was actually Cheng who nailed a close one to give her side a 21-18 cushion.
Though the Cargo Movers were able to close the gap at 23-22, Cheng stopped the momentum with an attack to send the Flying Titans to match point. An error by Shola Alvarez ended the match, 21-25, 28-26, 25-20, 25-22.
Though Almadro quipped that having Cheng and Ogunsanya on his side helped Choco Mucho learn more about F2 Logistics’ tendencies, the Lasallian downplayed it.
“I’m sure marami siyang natutunan dun and we are happy and joyful that she is here to share it with us also. Malaking bagay yun sa amin moving forward,” said Almandro.
“The way they play siguro kasi matagal din kami nagkasama,” added Cheng, who wound up with 10 points.
“Kahit wala naman ako dito, magagawan nila ng solution. It’s not because nandito ako. It’s about the team and how we worked hard as a team.”
For Deanna Wong, having Cheng to an already alpha-laden team is not a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth.
It actually helped them.
“She’s really great because in her own way she is a leader,” said Wong about the UAAP Season 79 Finals Most Valuable Player. “Really great to have lots of leaders in the team.
“Knowing her, MVP and a former champion, it’s great na may additional kami na natutunan sa kanya.”
And moving forward, having the likes of Cheng, Ogunsanya, Isa Molde, and Thang Ponce will help the team evolve more as the days go by.
