A character-building win.
That's how Kat Tolentino described Choco Mucho's 25-21, 16-25, 25-17, 17-25, 18-16, five-set victory against defending champion Chery Tiggo on Sunday night.
"I could say that this team is still working on its chemistry but this game built our character," said Tolentino moments after the win.
"I'm just in shock. Knowing this team, we are new and we have a lot of new players. It showed our character, we worked together," she added.
It was a total team effort for the Flying Titans in the decider, with head coach Oliver Almadro getting contributions from almost everyone that he fielded during the fifth set.
While Tolentino provided the three consecutive points that kept Choco Mucho alive, the Flying Titans also saw stellar performances from Bea De Leon, Chery Nunag, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Des Cheng.
And the 27-year-old Tolentino is just glad to have them on their side in a tight match like that.
"Every Choco Mucho team I've been in, I'm just focusing on doing my role and this team has helped me in it. Everyone's helping in digging, spiking, blocking, it's not just me. Just thankful that they are my teammates," said the former Ateneo star.
"It's a good win but the tournament is not yet over -- it's just the second game. It feels like it is such a great win but of course, we still have a lot to work on. It's just a great start and from here, just keep on improving," he added.
Tolentino ended up with 23 points founded on 19 attacks and four blocks to push Choco Mucho at the top of Pool A with a 2-0 slate.
Ogunsanya and Aduke each had 10 markers while Cheng put up an all-around outing of nine points, 17 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
"As in, I felt everyone contributing and I'm just so thankful I can trust my teammates, look at them in the fifth set, and know that they had my back and I had theirs."
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