SANTA ROSA – Choco Mucho strengthened its semifinals bid after sweeping the also-ran Capital1 in straight sets, 25-15, 25-16, 25-21, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Saturday at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex here.
The Flying Titans dominated the first two sets before halting a late comeback attempt from the Solar Spikers to seal the win in 82 minutes and momentarily take the number one spot with a 7-1 record.
“Happy ako sa naging laro namin kasi halos lahat nagamit ngayon. Kung ano yung mga gusto naming gawin sa loob ng court, namamaximize namin,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
The Solar Spikers threatened to extend the game to a fourth set with Jorelle Singh converting a cross-court attack to put her team behind by just one point, 21-22.
From there, the Flying Titans ran away with Sisi Rondina scoring through the block and Maika Ortiz blocking Des Clemente to put their side at match point. Mars Alba then won a joust against Clemente to finish off the match.
“Kahit sinong ipasok namin nagdedeliver, yun naman yung importante sa team namin. Sabi ko nga, in terms of pangangailangan namin sa mga players namin, kapag crucial, meron kaming huhugutin,” he added.
With Kat Tolentino missing her second consecutive game, several Flying Titans stepped up with reigning MVP Sisi Rondina leading the charge with an all-around effort of 13 points, eight excellent receptions, and five excellent digs.
Isa Molde followed with nine points and six excellent receptions while middle blockers Maddie Madayag and Cherry Nunag chipped in eight points each in the victory.
Deanna Wong started the game and played in the first two frames, tallying nine excellent sets and two points while Thang Ponce gathered 19 excellent digs.
Choco Mucho will go up against Strong Group on Saturday, 4:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in hopes of extending their winning run to four games.
On the other hand, Singh led the way for Capital1, who slid to 1-7, with 13 points.
The Solar Spikers look to end their slump against Akari on Thursday, 4:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
