Semifinals-bound Choco Mucho was taken to five sets by the also-ran Farm Fresh on Tuesday night before ultimately prevailing, 25-15, 24-26, 21-25, 25-21, 15-12.
It became a head-to-head competition between the top spikers of both teams, with Sisi Rondina unloading 29 points on 24 attacks and five blocks along with 18 excellent receptions, while Trisha Tubu dropped a career-best 32 points on 30 spikes and two blocks.
For the intense test that the Flying Titans had to endure before entering the semis, Rondina praised the performance of Tubu, who is just in her second conference as a pro.
“Paliparan kanina eh ang taas ng talon niya eh hindi ko nga rin siya mabasa,” said Rondina, who was in awe of Tubu who is four years her junior.
“Competitive din yung bata and same lang din sa akin. Kung ayaw kong mabugbog yung mga kasama ko, ganon din yung pinapakita niya,” she added.
In the game, Farm Fresh, propelled by Tubu’s performance, displayed remarkable resilience, staving off two match points and pushing Choco Mucho to summon their utmost determination for the win.
Nevertheless, Rondina’s crucial hits secured the victory for the Flying Titans following a grueling two hours and 19 minutes of intense competition.
But it was not only Tubu who impressed Rondina but the entire Farm Fresh squad.
The 5-foot-6 high-flyer praised the new additions to the Foxies squad, including their Japanese assistant coaches Master Shimizu, Shota Sato, and Asaka Tamaru.
“Grabe yung inimprove ng Farm Fresh ngayon. Alam mo yung peak nila tumapat talaga sa amin yung ayaw din magpatalo,” said Rondina.
“Hands down talaga ako sa Japanese training and program nila, ang ganda ng programa nila,” continued the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference MVP.
