Choco Mucho out-steadied F2 Logistics in one of the most fiercely-fought contests in the eight-day prelims, carving out a 21-25, 28-26, 25-20, 25-22 decision to clinch the second seeding in 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference's Group A for the other twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters, Thursday evening.
Kat Tolentino, Ponggay Gaston, Isa Molde, Bea de Leon, Des Cheng, playmaker Deanna Wong, and libero Denden Revilla rallied as one when down and stayed united when in command as they pulled off the squeaker in a fitting ending to what had been a rollercoaster of a qualifier replete with shockers and surprises.
With a 3-1 mark, Choco Mucho gets to play Group B third placer PLDT in the next phase with the Flying Titans needing only a win to barge into the crossover semifinals.
F2 Logistics ended up at No. 3 and will face a twice-to-beat Petro Gazz side in their side of the quarters duel.
Responding to coach Oliver Almadro's ploys and counterploys, the Flying Titans fought from a first-set defeat with a scrambling win in the extended second frame, rode on a strong start in the third to wrest control then rebounded from 1-6 down in the fourth to finish off the Cargo Movers.
Cheng fired a vicious hit in-between two F2 defenders to put Choco Mucho at match point, 24-22, then the Flying Titans secured the quarters incentive on a Shola Alvarez's mishit in the ensuring F2 offense, closing out the first encounter of two teams tipped to dominate the league with their crack rosters built around former Ateneo and La Salle stalwarts.
Meanwhile, the organizing Sports Vision announced the quarters will start on Monday (March 28), back at the league's home, the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
