In a dramatic turnaround, Choco Mucho shattered its long-standing losing streak against Creamline in a nail-biting showdown, clawing back from two sets down and saving a match point to snare a heart-pounding 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 decision before an ecstatic Tuesday crowd at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The victory not only halted the Cool Smashers’ 12-game dominance but also provided the Flying Titans a crucial advantage in the highly-anticipated semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Sisi Rondina, battling through cramps and enduring a stint at the backrow in the stretch, emerged as a beacon of resilience. When she rotated to the wing, she unleashed back-to-back hits, breaking the final deadlock at 16 and securing the elusive victory against their sister team.
“We simply worked tirelessly, with heart and unwavering determination being the key to this win,” said Rondina in Pilipino. She amassed 23 points and posted 14 excellent receptions, earning top honors for the game.
Yet, the triumph was a collective effort from Choco Mucho, which persevered despite the continued absence of Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng, and Aduke Ogunsanya.
Royse Tubino, for one, provided crucial support to Rondina, particularly in the third frame, sustaining her stellar performance throughout the match. Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag, Cherry Nunag, Maika Ortiz, and setter Mars Alba also delivered pivotal contributions with clutch hits and relentless hustle.
Choco Mucho, which finished No. 2 in the prelims, now stands on the brink of a finals berth, offering the Flying Titans an opportunity for redemption after falling short in the previous AFC championship against the Cool Smashers last December.
“It’s difficult to explain because it’s our first time beating Creamline,” said Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin in Pilipino. “I’m extremely thankful for our performance. The situation were were in was really tough, but our coaches really pushed us to do what needed to be done and make the necessary adjustments."
The Flying Titans used a strong finishing kick in the fourth set, forcing a decider with a 5-1 run to break from a shaky 20-19 lead, courtesy of a Pangs Panaga attack error.
In the fifth set, Choco Mucho seized an early three-point lead, maintaining it thrice before Creamline, drawing upon its championship experience, battled back to tie at 8. Despite the Cool Smashers’ tenacity, the Flying Titans persisted, forging ahead with another three-point binge, only to be met with resolute resistance from the defending champions.
As the tension mounted, Tubino and Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez traded blows, each refusing to yield. With the match rocking at 14, a Rondinia backrow attack mishit granted Creamline a match point. But the Flying Titans, showcasing their prowess as the league’s premier blocking team, rose to the occasion.
They thwarted several Creamline attacks with superb net defense, capitalizing on the powerful hits from Rondina and Tubino. After a grueling exchange, Tubino scored a clutch hit and Madayag’s block against Valdez propelled the Flying Titans to match point.
However, Valdez’s through-the-block hit forced one final standoff. Yet, it was Rondina who delivered the decisive hits, including the clincher against two Creamline defenders, silencing half of the packed crowd.
“We are immensely grateful for the fans’ unwavering support,” said Rondina. “When cramps set in, my sole focus was to work hard and support my teammates.”
Tubino finished with 20 points while Molde added 12 markers and Madayag and Nunag added eight and five points, respectively.
Galanza finished with 23 points while Valdez scored 21 points and Gumabao, Panaga and de Leon wound up with 18, 15, and seven points, respectively, for the fourth-ranked squad.
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