Reigning MVP Sisi Rondina urged Choco Mucho to ‘focus on the present’ ahead of their rematch against sister squad and defending champion Creamline in the finals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Flying Titans officially set up another finals encounter with the Cool Smashers, who beat them via sweep in the finals of the previous conference.
They fended off the playoff-seeking Petro Gazz in four sets, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Rondina said that there’s no time for Choco Mucho to dwell on the past as they aim to finally hoist their first title in franchise history.
“Ang natutunan ko lang talaga is pahabaan ng pasensya, focus lang on the present. Hindi kami pwede mag-isip sa past and the future kasi mata-trap kami. Control the controllable kaya siguro nag-stay kami doon and nagtrabaho na rin kami,” said Rondina, who fired 32 points against the Angels.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
The Flying Titans will head to the finale brimming with confidence after sweeping the round-robin semifinals. There, they secured their first-ever victory over Creamline following a 12-game losing streak that spanned five years.
Though the journey has been tough for Choco Mucho due to numerous injuries, including to star player Kat Tolentino, Rondina believes that the Flying Titans still have what it takes to achieve their goal.
The former UST star emphasized that the team’s hunger to win their first championship will play a pivotal role in dethroning the reigning champions, who are aiming for their third consecutive All-Filipino title.
“May ishi-share lang ako. Napanood ko sa TikTok na sabi ng pari na, ‘If there’s a blessing, there should be a test.’ Sa team, dami naming nangyari. Tipong walang pakialam sa nangyayari sa labas pero pag naglaro sa loob, focused kami. Gutom kaming manalo, gusto naming matuto.”
