Sisi Rondina delivered a masterful performance as Choco Mucho staged a dramatic reverse sweep over PLDT in a thrilling five-set encounter, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, to open their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals campaign with a hard-fought victory on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Rondina outdueled PLDT star Savannah Davison in the deciding set, spearheading the Flying Titans’ remarkable comeback from a 0-2 deficit and sealing the crucial points that moved her team closer to a semifinal berth.
The explosive 5-foot-6 outside hitter delivered an all-around performance, scoring 31 points built on 29 attacks and two aces.
She also anchored Choco Mucho’s floor defense with 15 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions in the grueling two-hour, seven-minute battle — their eighth consecutive win of the tournament.
(C) PVL Images
“Simula nung nag-third set, iba na ‘yung tao. Pero nakinig lang ako pagkapasok nila Mars na tiwala muna, pasensya muna. Ako kanina, sabi ko nga hangga’t ‘di sila nananalo ng tatlong sets, kaya naming bawiin,” said Rondina after the emotional victory.
“Yun lang talaga ‘yung nasa isipan ko kanina. Contribute lang nang mag-contribute, tulong lang kung saan ako pwedeng tumulong. Lumabas din talaga ‘yung kagustuhan ng lahat na manalo, ‘yung teamwork, saka ‘yung tiwala sa mga coaches and sa mga teammates ko,” she added.
With PLDT on the brink of victory, Royse Tubino stepped up with a powerful cross-court kill to push Choco Mucho to match point at 14-13.
Davison, however, refused to fold. The Fil-Canadian spiker unleashed back-to-back attacks to force a 14-all deadlock. Tubino answered with another off-the-block hit that barely grazed the hands of a PLDT blocker before going out of bounds, once again giving Choco Mucho the edge.
Still, Davison fought back with a cross-court strike to level the score once more. Rondina responded swiftly, firing a clutch kill to hand the Flying Titans a 16-15 advantage.
PLDT’s Fiola Ceballos forced another deuce, but a costly service error by Dell Palomata opened the door for Rondina to seal the win with a decisive off-the-block hit.
“Syempre nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkapanalo namin. May mga kailangan pa kaming ayusin kasi talagang nung first and second set, struggle kami sa floor defense namin. Buti na lang nung third set na-challenge ko sila,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Tubino contributed 20 points, 17 coming from attacks, to back Rondina’s efforts. Isa Molde chipped in 11 points and 10 excellent receptions to ease the burden after Dindin Santiago-Manabat exited the match in the first set due to knee discomfort.
Mars Alba played a pivotal role after stepping in for Deanna Wong to start the third set, stabilizing Choco Mucho’s offense with 16 excellent sets and contributing three points. Thang Ponce also shone on defense with 12 excellent digs.
The Flying Titans will look to close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
On the other hand, the High Speed Hitters will fight to stay alive.
(C) PVL Images
Davison led PLDT with 25 points and 19 excellent receptions, but their five-game winning streak came to a halt.
Erika Santos added 14 points, while Ceballos delivered a triple-double with 11 points, 14 excellent digs, and 22 excellent receptions.
Majoy Baron chipped in 10 points, while rookie setter Angge Alcantara dished out 21 excellent sets in the loss.
