With a postseason berth hanging in the balance, Choco Mucho found a much-needed boost from an unexpected source—rookie middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña, who recovered just in time to help the Flying Titans secure a spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Saturday night.
It had been a challenging stretch for Pecaña, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 PVL Draft. She suffered a sprained right ankle during Choco Mucho’s February 8 clash against Akari, forcing her to sit out their subsequent win over Nxled on February 13. Eager to return to the court, she made her comeback on February 22 against Petro Gazz in Passi, Iloilo, though she was visibly still working her way back to full strength. Limited in mobility, she managed just a single point in two sets played.
But when the Flying Titans faced Chery Tiggo in a crucial qualifying round rematch, Pecaña rediscovered her rhythm. With a playoff ticket on the line, she played a pivotal role in Choco Mucho’s dominant 25-22, 25-22, 25-23 victory, showcasing the kind of grit and determination that had defined her collegiate career at Arellano University.
“Matagal ko nang hinintay na makabalik kasi dalawang games nawala ako kasi na-injure ako. ‘Yung nasa isip ko, ‘Makakabalik ba ako agad?’ Pinilit ko lang siya, tinraining ko siya agad,” Pecaña shared, reflecting on the road to recovery.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker made her presence felt in her first-ever PVL playoff appearance, finishing with six points, including three kill blocks. But beyond the numbers, her defensive presence at the net proved instrumental in stifling the Crossovers’ attack. Her contributions were especially crucial in the third set when Choco Mucho trailed 16-21—Pecaña sparked a momentum-shifting 9-2 run with two quick points, helping the Flying Titans complete the sweep and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
For Pecaña, the confidence she displayed on the court stemmed from the unwavering belief of her head coach, Dante Alinsunurin. It was Alinsunurin who took a chance on her during the draft, and she was determined to repay that trust.
“Kagaya nung sinabi ko dati, ‘yung tiwala ni coach nung kinuha niya ako, dapat lagi kong binabaon pag naglalaro ako kasi hindi niya ako kilala eh. Kumbaga, wala kaming connection tapos kinuha niya ako, nagtiwala siya nung drafting,” she said.
“Nakita niya lang ako, pinulot niya lang ako na, ‘Sama ka sa team.’ ‘Yung tiwala nilang lahat sa’kin, pati nung teammates, nandun na eh. Ta's babaunin ko siya every game. Kung ‘yung coaches nga pag nagkakamali ako, ‘Okay lang.’ Eh ako pa.”
