Choco Mucho recovered from multiple atrocious meltdowns, taking the decider to down Petro Gazz, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena, Tuesday.
Just like in the two frames that the Angels won, the Flying Titans let their foes chase them late in the fifth set.
Already at match point by five points, 14-9, Choco Mucho allowed Petro Gazz to inch within one.
Big-time hits by Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma, and Jonah Sabete got the score to 13-14.
However, Marian Buitre’s service in the ensuing play failed to cross the net, resulting in the Flying Titans’ win in two hours and 36 minutes.
“Hanggang ngayon nag-iisip pa rin kung bakit nangyari yun dahil marami kaming chance na pwedeng matapos na pero thankful pa rin kami kahit papaano bandang huli nakuha pa rin namin ang panalo,” said Alinsunurin.
In the first stanza, Petro Gazz leaned on Sabete to complete a comeback from 19-24 down. Then in the fourth set, they climbed back from a 17-21 hole to win 26-24.
The Flying Titans joined PLDT and Chery Tiggo for an early share of the lead in the team standings with identical 2-0 records while the Angels dropped to 1-1.
Sisi Rondina led Choco Mucho with 24 points on 24 attacks along with 22 excellent receptions.
Kat Tolentino chipped in 17 points, while Isa Molde contributed 12.
Maddie Madayag and Cherry Nunag converted 11 apiece for the victors.
Sabete’s 29 points on 26 spikes and three blocks went to waste for the Angels, as well as the all-around play of Brooke Van Sickle, dropping 18 points, 22 digs, and 15 receptions.
Pontillas also added 15 points and 11 digs in the losing cause.
Both squads will return to action on Saturday, still at the Pasig arena.
Choco Mucho will have a showdown with Chery Tiggo in the main game at 6:00 PM. On the other hand, Petro Gazz will face PLDT before that at 4:00 PM.
