For Caitlin Viray, returning to Choco Mucho was only the first step. Finding her rhythm again in a familiar system required patience, hard work, and the willingness to start over.
After spending three years with the Flying Titans, Viray moved to Farm Fresh, where she played throughout the 2024 and 2025 calendar years. When she returned to Choco Mucho in early 2026, she reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin and a system she once knew well.
However, two years away meant there was still an adjustment period, and Viray had to work her way back into the team's rhythm.
Now, that familiarity is beginning to translate into better performances in the 2026-27 PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series.
The 28-year-old opposite spiker made her presence felt in Choco Mucho's 21-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Galeries Tower on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, finishing with 11 points. She came through with several powerful attacks in the fourth set to help the Flying Titans close out the match and return to the winning column.
For Viray, the opportunity to wear Choco Mucho's colors again has been a source of gratitude, especially as her daily work in training begins to pay off.
“Siyempre, super happy na nakabalik ako, sobrang laking bagay na... I think fit ako sa system ni coach, and every day tinatrabaho namin. So, very grateful sa team, and ‘yung sipag namin every day, yung hustle namin sa training,” she said.
While the adjustment was not immediate, Viray believes her previous experience with Alinsunurin's system helped her regain her bearings.
“Siguro mas madali yung adjustment, nung una siyempre nangapa kasi two years din ako nawala, nag-pick up lang ako kung saan ako nag-stop noong umalis, malaking bagay na ano familiar na ako sa system ni coach talaga,” she added.
Her latest performance also came at a timely moment for the Flying Titans, who were looking to bounce back from a frustrating reverse-sweep defeat to Farm Fresh.
Viray contributed nine points in that loss but had a limited role under the conference's all-to-play rule. Against Galeries Tower, however, she delivered when Choco Mucho needed another offensive option to help secure its third victory in four matches.
Beyond her individual contributions, Viray sees the team's steady progress as a product of the coaching staff's clear direction and unwavering commitment to its system.
For her, knowing what the coaches expect and seeing their trust in the players have made it easier for the team to work toward a common goal.
“Siguro, ‘yung nakita ko talaga na firm talaga sila sa system nila, eto ‘yung gusto nilang mangyari, eto ‘yung direksyon na pupuntahan natin. And so madali na hindi paiba-iba, and nakikita namin ‘yung tiyaga nila coach sa amin and ‘yung tiwala na binibigay sa amin every game,” Viray shared.
