In a spirited chase for history, Choco Mucho outpaced Cignal to the finish, clinching the last two sets in closely contested fashions as the Flying Titans carved out a 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23 decision to reach their first-ever Premier Volleyball League finals in the All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday night.
Choco Mucho’s celebration of their sudden death victory was momentarily delayed as Cignal contested the last call on a Vanie Gandler wide attack, claiming a block touch. However, upon review, the challenge proved unsuccessful, confirming the Flying Titans’ historic march to a PVL championship.
Choco Mucho, which has finished no higher than joint fourth twice in seven conference stints, faces sister team and six-time champion Creamline in Game One of the best-of-three finals starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Finally, nakapasok na kami ngayon sa championship round. First conference pa lang nakita namin talaga yung naging paghihirap nung team talaga, through second conference,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Talagang nagbunga yung paghihirap namin, even the coaching staff and the management na lagi kaming gina-guide sa lahat ng ginagawa namin. Yun, siguro talagang lumabas lang yung kagustuhan namin na manalo at makuha yung Game 3. Kita naman sa mga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata talaga nagbunga yung pagod namin every time na may game kami.”
“We’re just grateful that we were able to reach the semis,” said ace setter Deanna Wong, who anchored the Flying Titans’ victory with 24 excellent sets. “But the whole team’s goal is to win the championship. We worked hard for this win and it’s all about teamwork.”
Throughout the intense two-hour, nine-minute match, Wong showcased her setting skills, involving various players in the team’s offense. Middle Cherry Nunag, in particular, shone with Wong’s feeds for successful quick attacks. Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino, the team’s 1-2 scoring punch, also flourished on both flanks.
The HD Spikers, despite keeping the match close, were unable to match the Flying Titans’ poise and endgame savvy.
Threatened at 21-22 in the fourth on a Riri Meneses’ block off Isa Molde after a long exchange, Nunag scored on an easy putaway following a Cignal overpass and after Bea de Leon fouled up on the service line, Tolentino banged in a hit on an open spot to put the Flying Titans at match point, 24-22.
Gandler knocked in a through-the-block hit in the ensuing play to press the HD Spikers’ bid but the former Ateneo standout missed her down-the-line bid in the next Cignal offensive, enabling the Flying Titans to soar to their breakthrough finals appearance.
Rondina finished with 21 points, highlighted by her signature power blasts from above her blockers, while Tolentino delivered 17 markers, including several clutch hits.
Nunag also took the spotlight with 12 points, the same output put in by Maddie Madayag while Molde added 10 markers to underscore the Flying Titans’ balanced offensive sock.
Gandler wound up with 20 points after struggling for five points in Game Two while Ces Molina finished with 19 markers and Jove Gonzaga and Meneses combined for 15 points for the HD Spikers, who stole Game One after trailing by two sets but lost in three close sets in the next.
Gel Cayuna produced 20 excellent sets for the HD Spikers, who had three third-place finishes in six PVL conferences.
Cignal and Chery Tiggo will slug it out for the bronze in their side of the best-of-three playoff.
