Caitlyn Viray starred as Choco Mucho fended off Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 26-24, 25-15, to salvage a seventh-place finish in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Viray dropped a career-high 22 points on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, along with eight excellent digs, while Sisi Rondina delivered 15 points, laced with nine digs and six excellent receptions for the Flying Titans.
The former UST standout scored most of her points in the third frame and powered the Rebisco-backed squad’s 15-5 start that put away the Crossovers for good.
“Unang una, maraming salamat sa pagkapanalo namin. Itong game na ‘to, ang mindset ng team namin is kailangan namin manalo kasi nga last game na namin,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Importante ‘to para pagdating ng third conference, medyo mataas yung kumpyansa namin. Naging mababa yung start namin pero yun nga, sabi ko sa players ko na importante lagi lang naguusap,” he added.
The Flying Titans were poised to make it to the semis after a hot 2-0 start in the tournament. However, the team crumbled down in the latter part of the group phase, losing two of their last three games, which sent them to the classification round.
This is the fourth consecutive time that Choco Mucho missed the playoffs.
On the other hand, Mylene Paat paced the Crossovers, who dropped to eighth place, with 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
Pauline Gaston chipped in 12 points, while rookie Eya Laure ended her first conference with 11 markers.
