Choco Mucho rediscovered its winning form after dropping the first two sets, stunning ZUS Coffee in a thrilling reverse sweep, 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Saturday.
Choco Mucho’s victories in the third and fourth frames were enough to shatter ZUS Coffee’s confidence, as the Flying Titans cruised to a commanding 9-1 lead in the decider with contributions from Dindin Manabat, Sisi Rondina, and Isa Molde.
With their second straight five-set win, the Flying Titans climbed to solo sixth place with a 4-3 record.
(C) PVL Images
“Sobrang thank you. Siyempre totally team effort talaga yung nangyari kasi nung first two sets, talagang nag-struggle kami sa timing namin, sa ginagawa namin, opensa namin, depensa namin,” said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Siguro pagdating ng third set, medyo gumanda yung galaw namin kasi kung ano yung gusto namin mangyari sa loob ng court nagawa namin. Like yung blockings namin, nagka-timing na rin kami. Opensa rin namin, nasungkit na niya yung opensa namin dahil din sa magandang depensa namin,” he added.
The Thunderbelles nearly pulled off a massive comeback in the fourth set, rallying from an 11-18 deficit to tie the score at 21.
However, Manabat carried the Flying Titans on her shoulders, scoring three consecutive points before Cherry Nunag closed out the set with a quick kill, 25-22.
Deanna Wong made a triumphant return to the lineup after missing the first half of the elimination round due to a nagging knee injury, providing an immediate impact with 10 excellent sets and seven points off the bench.
Rondina led all scorers once again with 25 points and nine excellent receptions, while Manabat added 19 points, including 15 attacks and four blocks, in just four sets of action.
Molde chipped in 13 points and 11 digs. Rookie Lorraine Pecaña also delivered a strong performance with 11 points on seven spikes, two blocks, and two aces.
Choco Mucho will aim for a third straight win on Thursday against PLDT.
(C) PVL Images
Chai Troncoso paced ZUS Coffee’s balanced offense with 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks, along with eight receptions.
Gayle Pascual contributed 15 points, while Thea Gagate and Mich Gamit added 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Thunderbelles dropped to a 2-4 record after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
ZUS Coffee will try to snap its losing streak next Saturday against Capital1, also at the Pasig venue.
