PVL: Choco Mucho averts collapse, hands Chery Tiggo its 2nd loss

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA (UPDATED) – Choco Mucho denied Chery Tiggo a monumental comeback to regain its winning ways in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.

The Flying Titans averted collapse in five sets, 25-16, 25-11, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12, to clinch only its second win on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

They were coming from back-to-back losses to Petro Gazz and Capital1, which made this win a must to stay alive in the import-laden tourney.

“Sobrang happy ako sa naging performance kasi talagang kailangan namin talagang manalo dito sa laro na ‘to. Sobrang thankful ako kasi binigay sa ‘min,” coach Dante Alinsunurin said during the postgame press conference.

“Although, hindi (madali), talagang trinabaho din ng Chery Tiggo pero ngayon at least ngayon nakita namin na kahit papaano (kahit) na-down kami nang apat na talo pero lumalaban parin yung team kaya sobrang thankful ako sa naging performance namin,” he went on.

After a very slow start, the Crossovers got into their groove and took Set 3 off consecutive clutch hits from “Sakuragi-inspired” Ara Galang from the 23-all mark.

Chery Tiggo started strong in the fourth canto, 13-5, to ditch all Choco Mucho efforts to take the match in that frame and force a decider.

But in Set 5, it was the Flying Titans who made the better plays as they eked out a 4-0 run from a 4-all tie to pull away in the ballgame.

The Crossovers would still close within two, 14-12, off import Khat Bell’s down-the-line kill, but Deanna Wong perfectly set up Dindin Santiago-Manabat for a sharp attack to put a period in the five-set marathon.

Despite missing Alas Pilipinas players Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag, Mean Mendrez was there to lead the Choco Mucho offense with 18 points on 14 attacks, two blocks and a couple of aces to go along with 15 excellent receptions.

“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,” she said.

Santiago-Manabat and Maddie Madayag chipped in 17 and 11 markers, respectively.

Bell was still spectacular for coach Kungfu Reyes’ squad and paced them with 25 points.