Choco Mucho overcame Petro Gazz’s comeback attempt, securing a 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 18-25, 15-10 victory to strengthen their bid for a spot in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals.
The thrilling match took place in front of 8,214 fans at Philsports Arena on Saturdya evening.
The Flying Titans joined Cignal and F2 in a three-way tie atop Pool B, each with identical 3-1 records and one game remaining.
In the deciding fifth set, with the score tied at eight, Des Cheng and Cherry Nunag delivered consecutive points for Choco Mucho, followed by a response from Jonah Sabete for the Angels, putting Choco Mucho ahead at 10-9.
Caitlin Viray then showcased her skills with a three-point run, featuring different varieties of attacks, giving Choco Mucho a commanding 13-9 lead. Sisi Rondina sealed the game with a kill off the block.
“Well, umpisa pa lang talaga bago kami pumasok ng court talagang sinabi ko sa players ko na kailangan naming manalo para makapunta kami sa second round, sa semifinals round. Ayun, nagdeliver naman yung players kung ano ‘man yung naging adjustments sa during game nakuha agad namin,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Yung mga bagay na tinrabaho namin nung training, talagang lumabas lahat. Sobrang thankful ako sa naging performance ng team. Total team effort talaga yung nangyari kaya sobrang thankful kami,” he continued.
The Angels claimed the third set with the contributions of seldom-used players Nicole Tiamzon and Des Clemente, winning 25-22.
In the fourth set, main gunners Grethcel Soltones and Sabete led Petro Gazz to force a fifth set, securing a 25-18 victory.
Rondina set a new career-high with 29 points, consisting of 25 attacks and four service aces, along with 11 digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Nunag contributed 13 points, including four blocks, while Cheng and Viray each scored 12 points.
Sabete led Petro Gazz with 16 points, Soltones added 15, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rem Palma contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Angels concluded the preliminary rounds with a 3-2 record and no longer have control over their fate regarding advancing to the next round.
Choco Mucho will aim for an automatic semifinals berth on Tuesday when they face the HD Spikers at 4 p.m.
