When the game hung in the balance and Choco Mucho teetered on the brink of defeat, Royse Tubino proved why experience is invaluable in high-pressure moments.
The battle-tested veteran came off the bench and delivered when it mattered most, leading the Flying Titans to a thrilling five-set comeback against Nxled in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night.
With a four-game winning streak on the line, Choco Mucho found itself in dire straits after falling into a 1-2 hole against the feisty Chameleons, who were determined to pull off a statement victory. Nxled, powered by rookie Lucille Almonte, looked poised to close it out, surging ahead 20-16 in the fourth set after a crucial 4-0 run.
But just as the Flying Titans needed a spark, Tubino stepped up in the biggest way possible. The 32-year-old opposite hitter spearheaded a stunning 8-0 run, scoring three clutch points to wrestle momentum back in Choco Mucho’s favor. From trailing by four, they suddenly found themselves leading 22-20.
It was all the Rebisco-backed squad needed. They snatched the fourth set and carried the momentum into the decider, where they unleashed a dominant performance to secure a hard-fought 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9 victory at the Philsports Arena.
For Tubino, it was all about staying ready for the moment. She had seen limited action in previous matches, but when her number was called, she delivered with the poise and presence of a seasoned leader.
“Si Nxled kasi ginalaw talaga nila, tinrabaho talaga nila ‘yung pagkapanalo nila nung second and third sets. So kami, kailangan namin i-push kasi gumagalaw sila eh, kailangan namin i-doble ‘yung galaw namin para makuha namin ‘yung set, para manalo kami,” Tubino shared.
That mindset was evident in her performance. Even with limited touches, she made each one count, proving to be the steadying force the Flying Titans needed in the clutch.
“For me, always naman akong ready kung ipasok ako ni coach. Kailangan kong mag-deliver as a senior, so kailangan kong tulungan ‘yung team talaga. Ready naman ako always,” said the three-time NCAA champion.
Beyond her on-court heroics, Tubino’s presence was just as impactful off the stat sheet. As a veteran in a young and dynamic squad, she provided the voice of reason and motivation that kept Choco Mucho focused down the stretch.
“Never say die,” she said when asked about her message to the team entering the fourth set. “Kasi ‘di pa naman tapos ‘yung laban eh, so kailangan pa namin tumrabaho para makuha namin ‘yung set. Kasi hindi pa tapos, may chance pa kaming manalo.
“Yun ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, hindi pa tapos so kailangan pa natin umangat. Para makuha natin ‘to, kailangan nating magtrabaho.”
