Regine Arocha made a rare start for Choco Mucho on Thursday night and helped the team survive a five-set scare against Army-Black Mamba to end a two-game skid.
Arocha made it to the Flying Titans’ starting lineup as the team missed the services of Des Cheng and Bea De Leon, who are both under the weather against the Lady Troopers at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Arellano University product seized the opportunity and finished with 13 points to go along with eight excellent receptions to spearhead Choco Mucho’s 23-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-27, 15-11 victory over Army in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Arocha also came up clutch in the fifth frame, scoring three crucial points – including a crucial block on Royse Tubino in the team’s 4-0 blast that buried the Lady Troopers, 12-5.
“Ayun nga, since first time ko ulit maglalaro na kasama ako sa anim parang sobrang gutom na gutom, gigil na gigil ako maglaro na parang bawat bola gusto ko na patayin na. Ganun yung nararamdaman ko kaya din siguro ganun din nagawa ko,” said the 26-year-old spiker out of Angono, Rizal after the win.
“Kanina lang namin nalaman na ako maglalaro pero sabi naman namin ni Coach Dante [Alinsunurin] na dapat talaga kami maging ready lang kasi dadating yung time na kakailanganin kami kaya ready lang kami palagi.”
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin lauded Arocha for staying ready and putting her best foot forward in her surprise start. Alinsunurin also shared that the two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player has been working hard in practice and giving the first six a run for their money.
“Syempre dahil kay Regine, maganda yung performance niya kahit na pinalit lang siya sa original na first six. Pero deserving talaga siya maging best player kasi sa training naman lagi naman talaga niyang pinupukpok yung first six e.”
