Choco Mucho slipped up in the third but still managed to turn back Chery Tiggo in four sets, 25-9, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17, to take the early lead in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The unbeaten Flying Titans were on their way to sweeping the match but the Crossovers were able to mount a blistering run in the third frame which sent the game to a fourth set, where the former eventually sealed the game to move up to 3-0 in the standings for the solo lead.
“Nagpapasalamat pa rin kami sa sitwasyon namin kasi credit naman sa players talaga and sa management kasi tinatrabaho talaga namin everyday naman,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Kat Tolentino helped the Flying Titans pull away in the fourth set, scoring on back-to-back attacks to start a 3-0 swing that put their side with a 20-14 advantage.
Chery Tiggo answered back with a 3-1 run, making a last-ditch attempt to save the match but Sisi Rondina and Maddie Madayag put on the exclamation point, joining hands in a 4-0 finishing kick to finish off the game in almost two hours of action.
“Kung ano ‘yung pwede naming gawin sa loob, ano’ng adjustment, sobrang maganda lang ‘yung pakiramdam kasi nakukuha namin every game or every set ‘yung gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court,” said Alinsunurin.
“Parang konting adjustment na lang kaya sobrang thankful ako sa player talaga na dedicated talaga sa ginagawa namin pagdating sa training,” he added.
Rondina finished with a game-high 23 points on 21 attacks and two aces to go along with 13 excellent digs while Tolentino aided her with 17 points on 13 attacks and four blocks for Choco Mucho.
Madayag tallied 10 points, highlighted by six kill blocks, while Cherry Nunag and Isa Molde added eight and six points, respectively.
Mars Alba put up all-around numbers of 20 excellent sets, 10 excellent digs, and five points while Thang Ponce registered 22 excellent digs in the win.
The Flying Titans will face off against Cignal on March 14, Thursday, 6:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
On the other hand, Ara Galang and Eya Laure led the way for the Crossovers with 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Mylene Paat added 10 in the defeat.
Chery Tiggo will return on Saturday, 6:00 p.m. as they try to bounce back against Farm Fresh at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
