Choco Mucho’s ever-supportive fan base proved to be a crucial factor in the team’s thrilling Game 1 quarterfinal victory over PLDT in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference playoffs.
Facing the popular Flying Titans, Savannah Davison and the High Speed Hitters anticipated a loud and electrifying atmosphere at the Philsports Arena on Saturday night.
However, what they didn’t expect was how much the deafening crowd would rattle their composure — particularly in crucial moments when staying poised and executing plays with precision was essential.
“I think going into the game, we knew it was going to be loud,” Davison told reporters after their heartbreaking 25-20, 25-19, 15-25, 20-25, 16-18 reverse-sweep loss at the hands of Sisi Rondina and the Flying Titans.
PLDT appeared poised for victory after dominating the first two sets, seizing a commanding 2-0 lead. But Choco Mucho’s fans provided an energy boost that sparked the Titans’ incredible comeback, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Despite the opportunity to seal Game 1, Davison admitted that the pressure from the overwhelming crowd made the deficit feel far greater than it actually was.
“But when they had the upper hand, let’s say by just a couple of points, it was hard to catch up,” the Fil-Canadian spiker said. “Once they go on a run, you can’t really hear yourself with all the Choco Mucho fans filling the arena.
“That’s what made it so tough — even though it was only a two- or three-point gap, it felt like they were ahead by 10 because of the crowd. It’s hard to stay calm and collected when a close game feels like a blowout,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
However, Davison acknowledged that the Flying Titans’ raucous supporters weren’t the only reason for PLDT’s collapse.
“You know what, the first thing I think about is how I can be better,” Davison said. “I had a couple of errors this game, especially in the fourth set — or maybe the third — where I kinda struggled a little bit.”
Her mind quickly shifted to improving her performance in Game 2.
“So that’s where my mind goes — how can we do better? I did get an extra, I think, 10 points against Creamline, so maybe that’s the difference,” she added, recalling her strong showing in PLDT’s earlier win over the defending champions.
Davison also emphasized the need for additional scoring support, hoping her teammates can help shoulder the offensive load in the next match. Despite her game-high 25 points and 19 excellent receptions in Game 1, PLDT ultimately fell short.
“I think it’s the same story — as much as I hate to say it,” Davison said. “We just need a little bit of help. So hopefully, in the next game, more people show up and put some points on the board.”
Above all, Davison stressed the importance of closing out matches more effectively, ensuring the team maintains composure and executes plays with confidence — especially in high-pressure moments.
“I think the vibe in the dugout was more focused on the mental side of things,” she said. “We were up two sets, so it was tough to swallow knowing the opportunity we had to win. Heading into the next game, we have to focus on closing out and pushing the score — avoiding those silly errors on our side of the net. I think that’s what’s most important.”
