In a conference riddled with challenges and unmet expectations, Choco Mucho Flying Titans found their long-awaited spark in the unlikeliest of heroes: Mean Mendrez.
The 5-foot-10 outside hitter, who had been quietly recovering from a knee procedure, emerged as the key to the Titans' resurgence during the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
Entering the match with a disheartening 1-4 record and a two-game losing streak, Choco Mucho was in dire need of a game-changer.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin decided to take a chance on Mendrez, inserting her into the starting lineup for the first time this conference.
What followed was nothing short of a revelation.
Mendrez delivered a stellar performance, leading the team with 18 points, including 14 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Her timely contribution propelled the Flying Titans to a hard-fought 25-16, 25-11, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12 victory over Chery Tiggo, breathing new life into their campaign.
“For me lang po, super laking bagay sa akin na pagkatiwalaan ng coaches and siyempre yung teammates ko na laging nandyan sa likod ko na feel na feel kong nakasuporta sila,” Mendrez shared after her breakout performance.
This game marked a significant turning point for Mendrez, who had previously seen only limited action so far, playing spot minutes against Akari while remaining on the bench for the other four matches.
Yet, when the opportunity finally came, she seized it with both hands.
“Always lang na kung sino nandyan, kailangan mag-step up talaga pag binigyan ng chance ng coaches mo. Sa training pa lang, malaki yung binigay na tiwala ng coaches lately,” she added, reflecting the team's philosophy of stepping up when called upon.
Stepping up has been the mantra for the Flying Titans this conference, especially in the absence of their star player, Sisi Rondina, who is committed to Alas Pilipinas.
The team is also without middle blocker Cherry Nunag, who is fulfilling national team duties, and their Greek import Zoi Faki has yet to fully deliver the impact expected of her.
In this landscape of uncertainty, Mendrez’s emergence could not have come at a better time.
Coach Alinsunurin, who had initially harbored doubts about Mendrez’s condition post-surgery, was visibly pleased to see the potential he had always believed in finally coming to fruition.
“Si Mean naman talaga, any time naman yan. Kaya lang, talagang nung una medyo nag-doubt ako dahil sa kundisyon niya. Pero ngayon, nung nakita ko na nag-step up na siya at ginagawa niya na talaga yung – tuwing practice nag-all-out na siya – sabi ko, time na talaga niya para magamit,” Alinsunurin noted.
With their record now at 2-4, Choco Mucho faces a daunting task ahead. To secure a spot in the quarterfinals, they must overcome powerhouse teams like Creamline and PLDT.
However, Mendrez’s breakout performance serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the Titans have what it takes to step up and defy the odds.
