With the game slipping away and Choco Mucho on the brink of defeat, Royse Tubino reminded everyone why experience matters most in high-pressure moments.
The battle-tested enlisted Army personnel delivered clutch hits and unwavering leadership, steering the Flying Titans to a thrilling five-set comeback win against Nxled in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night.
Riding a four-game winning streak, Choco Mucho found itself in trouble after falling into a 1-2 deficit against a feisty Chameleons squad eager to score a statement victory. Nxled was in control late in the fourth set, leading 20-16 after a 4-0 run led by rookie Lucille Almonte.
But just when the Flying Titans needed a spark, Tubino took charge. The 32-year-old opposite hitter came off the bench and anchored a game-changing 8-0 blitz, scoring three crucial points to wrestle the momentum back and push her team to a 22-20 lead.
The Rebisco-backed squad seized the fourth set and unleashed a dominant fifth-frame performance to seal a hard-fought 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9 victory at the Philsports Arena.
(C) PVL Images
“Si Nxled kasi ginalaw talaga nila, tinrabaho talaga nila ‘yung pagkapanalo nila nung second and third sets. So kami, kailangan namin i-push kasi gumagalaw sila eh, kailangan namin i-doble ‘yung galaw namin para makuha namin ‘yung set, para manalo kami,” Tubino said.
Seldom used in previous matches, the seasoned opposite hitter seized her opportunity and delivered when Choco Mucho needed her the most.
“For me, always naman akong ready kung ipasok ako ni coach. Kailangan kong mag-deliver as a senior, so kailangan kong tulungan ‘yung team talaga. Ready naman ako always,” said the 32-year-old, a three-time NCAA champion.
Beyond her on-court contributions, Tubino’s leadership played a crucial role in keeping the Flying Titans composed and focused down the stretch.
“Never say die,” she emphasized when asked about her message to her teammates during the fourth set. “Kasi ‘di pa naman tapos ‘yung laban eh, so kailangan pa namin tumrabaho para makuha namin ‘yung set. Kasi hindi pa tapos, may chance pa kaming manalo.
“Yun ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, hindi pa tapos so kailangan pa natin umangat. Para makuha natin ‘to, kailangan nating magtrabaho.”
