Choco Mucho capped the night of five-set comebacks, repelling PLDT in an edgy decider marked by power hits and tips, furious rallies and marred by a string of miscues to wring out a thrilling 25-27, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 decision for solo third at 2-1 in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday.
Des Cheng foiled Chin Basas’ match-extending blast as the Flying Titans gained on PLDT setter Rhea Dimaculangan’s ploy to set up Basas on the opposite side instead of Elena Samoilenko, whose attack error put Choco Mucho at match point.
Import Odina Aliyeva fired 30 points as she battled Samoilenko, who put in her second 35-point game, in a gripping duel in the most fiercely fought match in two weeks. Her last through-the-block hit tied it at 15 after Jessie de Leon scored on a quick attack set by Dimaculangan in transition play.
Kat Tolentino delivered 16 points, including back-to-back hits to close out the fourth set and send the match into a decider which the Flying Titans dominated, 4-1, only to yield the next three points.
